The SBMA Investment Processing Consultancy

Comment from a reader on "Where Is Our SM Mall?":

Good knows how much grease money is needed to get a business started up in the Freeport.

You start with those who handle your application at the business group. That entire building is one big consultancy shop. They package everything, from the filling up of the forms to getting it approved at the EAC (whatever that means).

If you don't do it their way, (meaning don't engage their packages), they sit on your account for months.

Maybe other locators can share their experience. Arreza and Salonga might finally do something about it. Otherwise, that will be what they will be remembered for.

Its like a dispensing machine where you slip a coin to get things going. From the account officer, to the manager, to the Senior DAs to the Board.

And the permits after the Board approval...God!

The only difference is that the higher you are in their chain of approvals, the more coins you put in.

I know. You know how? My application took two years because I refused every advance at all levels.

To the new locators, please don't do it. Take a stand and tell the right people. You will get to know them along the way.

Old locators tell me that it wasn't like this during the Gordon or the Payumo time. Who cares, its today and tomorrow that matters.

[THE SUBIC BULLETIN] Does anyone else have experiences to share on investment processing?