For the average Filipino, sure.. there's a growing urban middle class and a decent sized upper class, and what they lack in individual wealth is usually offset by a larger and stronger network of family and friends.. that's less of an issue than the gatekeeprs..

It really looked for a moment like they were going to break with the historical patterns and do something above board for all the right reasons. There likely needs to be a larger bribe or someone with a lot of clout needs to be made an honorary partner with a large percentage interest in the outcome for things to move forward, unfortunately.