THE bad news that unsettled a lot of people was the brutal death in the hands of kidnappers of Fil-Chinese businessman, Anson Que, and his driver.
From the social media posts of their recovered bodies that have circulated, Que, owner of Ellison Steel, a known philanthropist and respected member of the business community was clearly tortured to death—despite reportedly paying the still scot-free abductors some P160 million in ransom money. Sadly, his driver, yet to be named as of this writing, shared the same fate with him.
Their bodies, wrapped in nylon sacks and their faces covered with tape, were found last April 9, ironically our national holiday in memory of our valor and gallantry during Japan’s invasion of the country.
Originally, the abductors allegedly demanded $20 million but his family managed to “haggle down” the amount to $600,000.00. But given the hefty amount they reportedly paid—P160 million, we deduced they were “terrorized” enough to give what the kidnappers want.
Only last February, another sensational kidnapping—that of a 14-years old Chinese student where the kidnappers allegedly demanded $1 million—already made many in the Fil-Chinese community worried and apprehensive, as it brought back the ugly memories of widespread Fil-Chinese kidnappings during the term of Pres. Fidel Ramos.
Unless addressed decisively to assure that our peace and order situation remain manageable, our economic policy makers would be living in ‘Wonderland’ if they believe that we can still invite foreign investors to set up shop here.
Coupled with President Trump’s ‘Tariff War’ against the entire planet but with China the main target, the “logical step” would be for Chinese investors to seek other places to put up their business where Trump’s tariff punch (17 percent more for the Philippines) would hurt them less than when they remain in mainland China (104 percent tariff on all goods directly sourced from China).
As it is right now, only China has the excess capital for investment. But if we think can entice the Chinese to put up their businesses here, seeing their fellow blood kin like Que, despite his prominence, are being kidnapped, tortured, and killed, why would they?
Already last April 2, the Chinese Embassy, in an advisory to its citizens, warned them from further travelling to the Philippines, citing “the recent unstable public security situation” and “growingly frequent harassment of Chinese citizens and businesses,” among others.
This administration is just entering the midpoint of its 6-years term and yet, peace and order has deteriorated.
An international survey for 2025 placed the Philippines in the top 20 (No. 18) of crime-ridden countries in Asia and the cities of Manila and Quezon at number two and number three ranks, respectively, as the most crime-ridden cities. The cities of Cebu, Iloilo and Davao were also listed but not as prominent as Manila and Quezon City.
The top spot belongs to Damascus, capital of war-torn Syria. Why we have cities where crime is on a rampage despite the absence of civil strife is a “testament” to the depth of disgrace and incompetence our law enforcement has become under this administration.
Given these facts, why we, or rather, our leaders and policy makers remain confident of foreign investors “stampeding” to put up their businesses here gives serious doubt to their sanity.
Again, who would want to invest in a crime-ridden country, eh? And we have not even talked about the issue of corruption.