Most Powerful Person

In my opinion, the most powerful person in the Philippines is Manny V. Pangilinan, or more popularly called MVP. I believe that he controls majority of our economy, not in terms of the actions of the people, which is the job of the government through the laws, but in terms of providing for the needs of everyone. One such example is electricity. Manny V. Pangilinan recently acquired a huge percentage of Meralco Corp. which provides electricity to every single household in our country. If one day he decides to stop all functions of Meralco, then everyone will be surely affected by it. Even the government cannot control him. Next, he also owns PLDT (Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company), Smart Telecommunications, Inc., Philex Mining Corporation and Philex Petroleum Corporation, NLEX (North Luzon Expressway), Makati Medical Hospital, and a lot more.

As you can see, he also controls the telecommunications sector, which is every household’s necessity. You may say that there is still Globe Telecommunications and other services; however, Globe can only serve those with cellphones and has not yet perfected its landline service. PLDT is definitely the best in our country when it comes to landline and at the same time, broadband or internet connection. Furthermore, he also controls NLEX which is the only major hi-way connecting the metro to the northern part of our country. Having control of over 10 major hospitals is also a big deal. Hospitals are very important because people cannot stay healthy forever. We also consider health as wealth, as some say, because no matter how rich you are, if you get sick with cancer or some uncurable disease, then there’s no use of being rich if you cant move or function properly. Last but not the least, he owns Philex Mining Corporation which is divided into two: Philex Mining Corporation is the mining business, while Philex Petroleum Corporations is the gas and oil business. In the past few months, it has been evident that the mining industry has experienced a boost and is being clamored by all. They discover and process minerals and energy resources for the use of society (Philex Mining Corporation). This business is considered a “jackpot” because, for example, you find gold. Its price is, more often than not, increasing so you are sure that you will profit.

These are just some of the companies that Manny V. Pangilinan owns and controls. It may seem like he’s some sort of god because of all his power and wealth, but the truth is, he also started from nothing and slowly climbed up the ladder. He remained true to himself and persisted. I believe that all of us should emulate his attitude of determination and hard work so that one day, we too will be able to succeed. (Word Count: 474)

Philex Mining Corporation. 2007. Web. 16 Jan. 2012. < http://philexmining.com.ph//index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=25&Itemid=43>