Political Risk

Political Risk – Once upon a time, a Filipino-American inherited land in a booming town where he decided to put up a small mall.

During the construction, an unknown individual asked to meet the owner. He introduced himself as a representative (the Rep) of a local official. The Rep commended the owner's planned mall, saying it was a step in the right direction for the townspeople. The Rep then offered to "help" the owner grow the business exponentially.

The owner listened attentively to the Rep, waiting for their motive. Nothing comes for free, he thought. And as expected, the Rep then asked to be given two of the most prime spaces in the mall in exchange for their "help."

The owner laughed at the Rep’s proposal, calling it absurd. And so, the Rep left his office.

In the following weeks, the Owner suddenly found securing permits for the construction difficult. The construction was likewise flagged for numerous violations. The target completion date slid, but he was able to finish the project eventually. Months passed, and a large part of the mall remained vacant. The owner then discovered that vehicular traffic was rerouted away from his mall.