A few thoughts on politics.

Everyone has the right to his opinion. I just want to state mine in brief.

It’s a pity to hear people say ‘bad’ things about the government—our government. I am not pro-administration but I am pro-government.

On a general perspective, the Philippines is regarded as a third world country—primarily brought about by economic conditions vis-à-vis the global arena. Poverty is still the basic concern and development is seen as slow-paced. Also, insurgency and instability rock the government from all sides. Worst, the Philippines gained recognition (in the negative sense) as one of the most corrupt nations in the world. Most people who do not know the country could instantly create bad impression; a pathetic image of a hopeless nation. Our island, our Philippines, the Pearl of the Orient, with a brutal tag on her name. This idea breaks my heart.

I would like to mention that the Philippine Constitution is said to be among the bests (if not the best) fundamental laws observed in nations. It covers humanitarian, developmental, and even cultural rights of its people. Sovereignty and freedom are emphasized with certainty. Peoples’ participation is highly regarded in its democratic framework. I believe it covered what is essential for a country to function well.

The structure of the government is creditable in its own right. Agencies, Departments and Bureaus are created to address the various concerns that could possibly come about. The constitutional bodies are granted with autonomy to function accordingly. Efficiency and effectiveness are supported by the commendable mechanisms installed within the structure. Peoples’ participation is encouraged and devolution of power to local governments is exercised. Even the bureaucrats and leaders are generally the cream of the crop of the land. In a theoretical perspective, this is an ideal structure we have at hand.

But why still have a chaotic government? I would just like to focus on three things.

First: Poverty. The Philippines is an agricultural country. The basic industry is farming. The sudden shift of the world towards globalization pressured the country to adopt several actions and policies that do not support agriculture. Given that we have a relatively young democracy (Martial Law was lifted in 1983) and still limping from colonial dominion (333 years under Spain; about four years under Japan; and indirectly under US until present) and ruins of war, we had not strengthen the basic thrust that we should focused on. Agriculture remains in shambles and almost left out. World’s standard of industrialization marred our basic capability. The problem on equity or distribution of wealth is also of note and drastically drowned our people to poverty. Because of poverty, people were forced to take advantage of any privilege at hand. This is the basic of corruption the way I see it.

Second: Greed. Human behavior theories suggest that dissatisfaction is human nature. Acquisition of something will only lead to wanting more. Following my first claim, learning how to ‘get’ something carefree strengthens the drive to want more. Occasions and possibilities to collect are grabbed and even forced. This hunger can hardly be quenched. That is how I see corruption in the government—fueled by greed.

Third: Trust. A sad observation is that, the people have lost (very weak) its trust in the leadership and in the government per se. No matter how remarkable the programs are for development and for poverty alleviation, people hardly recognize. Intolerable poverty caused people to believe that those in power are the only ones benefiting from all these acts; it won’t lift peoples’ lives from poverty. Not to mention the belief that corruption IS the norm nowadays. In effect, they hardly support the state.

History would tell how hurt the Filipinos had become from the hands of our colonizers and even from our own kin. It developed a disgraceful attitude of impatience and lost of discipline. Weariness and fatigue from poverty developed greed and created the monster corruption. Somehow, this is similar to what the naïve Indios (native Filipinos) were subjected to during the time of our Spanish colonizers. It has rooted and unfortunately found a niche in our system.

I don’t know if I was able to give at least the façade of my thoughts but anyhow, I wanted to say those. I know the government’s problem is more complex than I have stated but I guess an opinion would not hurt. It shatters my heart to hear bad impression of us Filipinos in the world’s eyes and not as beautiful people that we are. All I really wanted to say is, I love my country and I have not given up on her neither in her people.

Dear Lord, bless the Philippines.