A couple of weeks ago I read an article which referred to The Philippines as one of four countries in the world that had been “Blamed and Shamed” at the recent gathering of the G-20 Nations in France. The term means that these countries had been on a world black list, indicating they were not nations with which other countries should enact business or trade. The Philippines was quick to respond that it would clean up its act and the G-20 moved it to a “gray” list which means — wait and see.
There are many ways of running a nation: the Parliamentary system such as the UK and Canada; the Congressional system embodied in the USA; one of a number of forms of what can be termed a Totalitarian system, i.e. Communism. Many of the Middle East Arab nations are ruled by a Monarchy such as Saudi Arabia and Dubai; there is Military leadership evidenced in Burma. All were forms of tribal leadership passed down through the centuries – converting to and often convoluted into what we have today in the world community.
The Philippines runs on the Corruption System.
It is not alone. However it is one of the larger countries in the world when judging population – close to 100 million and growing fast – so it’s reliance on such a system of government is an anathema to many, as opposed to the populations of, say, Laos or Burkina Faso. Outside of Central Manila and Cebu, the nation’s second largest city (really the only other place that can be called a city in the normal sense) lays much poverty and destitution. There is an over-abundance of evidence that the government, inspired by the president, just plain doesn’t care. They do not care. And the people know this because the country in many places is in ruins. Roads are dangerous, covered with potholes and broken pavement. Ferry service to the many populated islands is despicable. Every year one of these decrepit, under-serviced, filthy, old tramp ferries sinks with heavy loss of life.
While most countries in the world are battling, in one way or another, the economic downturn, the Philippines turns a blind eye. Two huge companies, Philam Life and Prudential Life have failed or are about to and the government has no plans for any kind of stimulus package. Thousands will lose their jobs, millions will lose their savings. There are others teetering on bankruptcy. Small rural banks, once the backbone of the nations farming industry have failed by the dozen. Businesses from auto dealers to tobacco farmers are feeling the pinch. It’s the same in many companies in many nations — but here nothing will be done to assist their struggle to maintain. Let them eat cake.
The nation’s Overseas Workers industry is on the wane as maids and care-givers are sent home because of the recession which has hit the United States and Europe, even the Middle East – locations where the OW’s find labor. From Malacanang Palace come only words, hollow promises from a president who has the confidence of only a small portion of her constituents. Swept into power by public outcry following the former president who was so stupid as to allow his corrupt activities to show publically, Ms Gloria Arroyo is now deemed to have led the country in a more destructive manner than her predecessor. In fact polls say that she leads the list, a whopping 25 percent ahead of Ferdinand Marcos who was little more than a despot, a figure arrived at after asking people “who is the most corrupt president in Philippine History?”
I have spoken to soldiers who admit they are disillusioned with the armed forces because of its backing of the president. You bet it backs the president because the president pays the military leaders to do so who in turn keep her in power by flexing its muscles if needed. There is not a great deal of difference in how the generals of this nation operate when compared to the terrorist organizations that flourish through-out the Philippines.
The trouble with a corrupt government is that its practices filter down to the average businessman. If one cannot rely on the various government agencies and their endless scams how can Philippine NGO’s, banks, travel institutions, airlines, produce companies, the Service industry be expected to offer an honest way of dealing with the population? The banks are atrocious. I speak from personal experience — the bank I dealt with for the first five years I lived in this country scammed me for nearly 8,000 US dollars by converting my pension checks from one currency to another and pocketing the difference? Foreigners are at the mercy of any number of illicit practices. I was amazed when not long ago I actually found what so far has turned out to be an honest automotive service garage.
As a trading partner, Taiwan, the closest northern neighbor to the Philippines has turned away from doing business here. Japan has cut international trade as has the USA, China and even countries within the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN). Thailand grudgingly allows Filipinos to enter their country and do so only because the ASEAN charter stipulates such. Indonesian businesses, many as corrupt as their Philippine counterparts control the major Philippine telephone company which charges the highest rates of any large country on earth, double charge on overseas toll-free calls and provide the worst service I have ever dealt with in North America or Asia and I understand, from associates, the EU.
Internet users are restricted to slow broadband or even slower dial up service.
Filipinos have lost their ability to think in terms of the fair business practices found in other nations. Their MO is to go for the gold. That works in sports but not necessarily in economics. Trying to fleece their customers so as to get as large a profit as possible on the initial purchase does no more than ensure the customer will not return. Illegally adding 3 to 5% to customers bills for using credit cards. It is almost inconceivable how many small companies go belly-up because they will not use the tried and true principal of “please the customer”. In The Philippines little thought is given to pleasing the customer; a lot of thought is given to grabbing as much as one can now … and the hell with next time.
Bad parentage usually leads to an unsatisfactory childhood and all that can result from poorly trained children as they grow older and enter the work force. Brain drain also robs the country of its profitability. I do not know one young individual who possesses any degree of ability who does not want to get off these islands at the first opportunity.
Someone made a comment on my blog that if I don’t like it here, why do I stay? That is a good question sir, and it would take many hours to explain why and that ‘why’ is of a personal nature. Besides, the short answer is, in some ways, I do like it here. I have learned after many years how to side-step much of the crap and enjoy peace in a backwoods, isolated village. And Filipinos can be delightful people just as long as you don’t have to trust too many of them.
