Philippines Discussion Thread

[The Republic of Pantalleria]

Either that or it will start another Martial law or a state of emergency.

Well, if we had a benevolent Marcos-type president, I'd willingly allow it.

"Benevolent" tyranny.

[Asigna]

"Benevolent" tyranny.

Of course, forceful solutions should only be temporary, it is necessary so that we may shape a future for the people, who desperately want change in this corrupt society of ours.

I couldn't believe Manny Villar is going to buy the Water district of our city, meaning he'll double the prices of our water in Zamboanga city. He's here to secure his family's little empire all over the Philippines. I am so angry right now, as if the blackouts weren't enough that they had to overprice the most vital resource for us, water.

This is proof...we need force. My fellow Filipinos, force is needed to destroy those people who are responsible for this treason, this treachery done against their own people for their own selfish interests. There is no other way for the law is corrupted by the corrupt ones who own the government.

The real criminals of society are in our government and these must be put to justice, not the kind of justice defined by the corrupt, they are slow and the trials that occur often have loopholes that end up with the corrupt being saved from these allegations that are obviously true. Rather, true justice. Death. It is swift, it is more efficient. For our future. It is really urgent that those able to make a stand stand up and speak against this government. Or else we'll have the same matter revolving in our time, a weak and corrupt Philippines.

[Luzvimindia]

"Benevolent" tyranny.

Of course, forceful solutions should only be temporary, it is necessary so that we may shape a future for the people, who desperately want change in this corrupt society of ours.

I couldn't believe Manny Villar is going to buy the Water district of our city, meaning he'll double the prices of our water in Zamboanga city. He's here to secure his family's little empire all over the Philippines. I am so angry right now, as if the blackouts weren't enough that they had to overprice the most vital resource for us, water.

This is proof...we need force. My fellow Filipinos, force is needed to destroy those people who are responsible for this treason, this treachery done against their own people for their own selfish interests. There is no other way for the law is corrupted by the corrupt ones who own the government.

The real criminals of society are in our government and these must be put to justice, not the kind of justice defined by the corrupt, they are slow and the trials that occur often have loopholes that end up with the corrupt being saved from these allegations that are obviously true. Rather, true justice. Death. It is swift, it is more efficient. For our future. It is really urgent that those able to make a stand stand up and speak against this government. Or else we'll have the same matter revolving in our time, a weak and corrupt Philippines.

It's not only the politicians who are selfish. Even a majority of the voting population are. If the population wasn't selfish then we wouldn't have those corrupt politicians in a position in the first place. The Filipinos' own selfishness made this country corrupt and weak. If only all Filipinos will realize that. We must be accountable for our actions. That's the beauty of democracy, unfortunately, not every Filipino knows that.

[Asigna]

It's not only the politicians who are selfish. Even a majority of the voting population are. If the population wasn't selfish then we wouldn't have those corrupt politicians in a position in the first place. The Filipinos' own selfishness made this country corrupt and weak. If only all Filipinos will realize that. We must be accountable for our actions. That's the beauty of democracy, unfortunately, not every Filipino knows that.

How were the voters selfish? Can you elaborate on that? I just want to hear it.

[Luzvimindia]

It's not only the politicians who are selfish. Even a majority of the voting population are. If the population wasn't selfish then we wouldn't have those corrupt politicians in a position in the first place. The Filipinos' own selfishness made this country corrupt and weak. If only all Filipinos will realize that. We must be accountable for our actions. That's the beauty of democracy, unfortunately, not every Filipino knows that.

How were the voters selfish? Can you elaborate on that? I just want to hear it.

In nearly every precinct in the last elections there were reports of vote-buying, of people actually changing their votes and of politicians, who have been proven to have bought votes, actually winning. Outside of elections, Filipinos would agree to support a politician despite being infamously corrupt just because they are given a sack of rice and P1000. Isn't that a form of selfishness? Yes it can be used to feed their families but taking a look at the bigger picture, more Filipino families suffer due to that.

If those Filipinos did not give in to pressure from the corrupt politician and declined whatever he/she gave them in compensation, then those politicians wouldn't be in a position as they are now. The problem lies in the fact that once our kababayan agrees to whatever compensation the politician gives, they then suddenly become indebted to that politician which shouldn't be the case at all.

I am NOT generalizing all voters to be selfish nor all politicians to be corrupt, but those who are should be ashamed. In the end, once the politician is in a position of power, the sack of rice and P1000 are taken back in the form of taxes which, if the politician truly is corrupt, just ends up in their pockets.

[Asigna]

I am NOT generalizing all voters to be selfish nor all politicians to be corrupt, but those who are should be ashamed. In the end, once the politician is in a position of power, the sack of rice and P1000 are taken back in the form of taxes which, if the politician truly is corrupt, just ends up in their pockets.

Oh this, the fact that Filipino people could easily be deceived by offers that only benefit them in a short term but when the one they elected comes into power, it is acually, in the end, they who suffer in the long run. I get you.

What use is a short term offer when in the long run we suffer.

Because of that, i always thought of a certain future for the Philippines.

[Benshir]

Oh this, the fact that Filipino people could easily be deceived by offers that only benefit them in a short term but when the one they elected comes into power, it is acually, in the end, they who suffer in the long run. I get you.

What use is a short term offer when in the long run we suffer.

Because of that, i always thought of a certain future for the Philippines.

For any hope of change to be at least remotely possible, this vicious little cycle has to end.

[Asigna]

For any hope of change to be at least remotely possible, this vicious little cycle has to end.

Yes, or else the fun future for the Philippines will come ...it will dismantled.

[Benshir]

Yes, or else the fun future for the Philippines will come ...it will dismantled.

Let's start with not electing Binay president, shall we? I want functional, sleek democracy and the accompanying bureaucracy within reasonable levels. Not an oligarchy run under the pretense of freedom. The Philippines is anything but free.

[Asigna]

Let's start with not electing Binay president, shall we? I want functional, sleek democracy and the accompanying bureaucracy within reasonable levels. Not an oligarchy run under the pretense of freedom. The Philippines is anything but free.

We are free, our people are just very stupid even if it hit them in the head.

[Luzvimindia]

For any hope of change to be at least remotely possible, this vicious little cycle has to end.

Yes, or else the fun future for the Philippines will come ...it will dismantled.

Unfortunately, the results of the latest PulseAsia survey isn't too heartening either. Although it isn't surprising that Binay is the first I don't think he is the best man for the job. Among those who have said that they might run in 2016, I think Chiz Escudero would be best suited for the job.

[Asigna]

Unfortunately, the results of the latest PulseAsia survey isn't too heartening either. Although it isn't surprising that Binay is the first I don't think he is the best man for the job. Among those who have said that they might run in 2016, I think Chiz Escudero would be best suited for the job.

Even though he gives me suspicions. Somewhat though in the earlier elections i preferred Gibo Teodoro over the rest, his intentions were good, he seemed the good guy who won't take political factionalism or tribalism seriously and would rather become and act like a real politician ready to serve his people.

[Luzvimindia]

Unfortunately, the results of the latest PulseAsia survey isn't too heartening either. Although it isn't surprising that Binay is the first I don't think he is the best man for the job. Among those who have said that they might run in 2016, I think Chiz Escudero would be best suited for the job.

Even though he gives me suspicions. Somewhat though in the earlier elections i preferred Gibo Teodoro over the rest, his intentions were good, he seemed the good guy who won't take political factionalism or tribalism seriously and would rather become and act like a real politician ready to serve his people.

I'd rather go for the younger politicians with a good record. I've had enough of these 50+ years old politicians. It's time for the younger generations to take the reins.

Also, the only reason why Gibo didn't win was because of the effects of GMA's scandals on the party. I think if Gibo was under a different ticket then he could've won.

[Brutland and Norden]

Let's start with not electing Binay president, shall we?

Agreed.

When he wins in two years, I'd probably have serious doubts about wanting to stay here.

[Asigna]

I'd rather go for the younger politicians with a good record. I've had enough of these 50 years old+ politicians. It's time for the younger generations to the take the reins.

Younger people who are more open minded people as we had agreed earlier in this thread are the ones that will give this country hope. They are the millennials (Generation Y) to be specific.

[Benshir]

Agreed.

When he wins in two years, I'd probably have serious doubts about wanting to stay here.

From day one of his stint as VP, I could already smell the ambition reeking from that little man.

[Luzvimindia]

I'd rather go for the younger politicians with a good record. I've had enough of these 50 years old+ politicians. It's time for the younger generations to the take the reins.

Younger people who are more open minded people as we had agreed earlier in this thread are the ones that will give this country hope. They are the millennials (Generation Y) to be specific.

Yes, and I fully agree with that, though not as young as generation Y. They are not eligible yet. The latter Gen X'ers, those who were young when Martial Law was in place and were the youngest Filipinos in the People Power, would be a good pool to look for future presidents.

[Brutland and Norden]

From day one of his stint as VP, I could already smell the ambition reeking from that little man.

Not to mention his and his family's trapo attitude, such as wanting special treatment (cf. Dasma village incident). His attitude is something we don't need in the country, especially from a President.

[Luzvimindia]

From day one of his stint as VP, I could already smell the ambition reeking from that little man.

Not to mention his and his family's trapo attitude, such as wanting special treatment (cf. Dasma village incident). His attitude is something we don't need in the country, especially from a President.

Agreed. If only the 40+% of Filipinos who will vote for him in 2016 see that attitude. The Binays are a political dynasty in the making and that's what worries me and I think some of you as well.

[The Republic of Pantalleria]

Yes, or else the fun future for the Philippines will come ...it will dismantled.

Let's start with not electing Binay president, shall we? I want functional, sleek democracy and the accompanying bureaucracy within reasonable levels. Not an oligarchy run under the pretense of freedom. The Philippines is anything but free.

Unfortunately, those who actually will do a good job of running the country aren't running for Presidency...

[Benshir]

Unfortunately, those who actually will do a good job of running the country aren't running for Presidency...

That is true. Now is not the time for humility!

[Nationalist Eminral Republic]

Let's start with not electing Binay president, shall we? I want functional, sleek democracy and the accompanying bureaucracy within reasonable levels. Not an oligarchy run under the pretense of freedom. The Philippines is anything but free.

Unfortunately, those who actually will do a good job of running the country aren't running for Presidency...

Maybe they've given up with the country. To be fair, its not gonna be easy to govern over undisciplined people.

[Benshir]

Maybe they've given up with the country. To be fair, its not gonna be easy to govern over undisciplined people.

Maybe if people we elected AND people who elected them started considering hard economic fact and political economy, then we could get around this little rut we've found ourselves in.

Of course, the chances of that happening are rather slim. Such is the lot of a 3rd world country, waist-deep in bureaucracy and corruption; with rampant crime and unemployment, horrible economic planning and a largely uneducated population. Add to that, that a great majority of said population suffer from inferiority complexes, and are unable to make commitments to anything unless they have a surefire chance or recognition or appearing on television for it.

[Luzvimindia]

Maybe they've given up with the country. To be fair, its not gonna be easy to govern over undisciplined people.

Maybe if people we elected AND people who elected them started considering hard economic fact and political economy, then we could get around this little rut we've found ourselves in.

Of course, the chances of that happening are rather slim. Such is the lot of a 3rd world country, waist-deep in bureaucracy and corruption; with rampant crime and unemployment, horrible economic planning and a largely uneducated population. Add to that, that a great majority of said population suffer from inferiority complexes, and are unable to make commitments to anything unless they have a surefire chance or recognition or appearing on television for it.

IMHO, the middle class and upper-middle class are the ones in the best position to help solve the problem of our country. They are not as rich as most of the known corrupt bureaucrats and political dynasties but are not too poor to be uneducated. Also, most of the middle class people have a history of coming from poorer circumstances and so they know what it means to truly work hard to become well-off. Unfortunately, the middle class is not very well represented in our society and usually go into business rather than politics. We are stuck in a medieval-type society where there are only two major divisions in society: the rich and the poor, and we all know what happens when that's the case.

[Benshir]

IMHO, the middle class and upper-middle class are the ones in the best position to help solve the problem of our country. They are not as rich as most of the known corrupt bureaucrats and political dynasties but are not too poor to be uneducated. Also, most of the middle class people have a history of coming from poorer circumstances and so they know what it means to truly work hard to become well-off. Unfortunately, the middle class is not very well represented in our society and usually go into business rather than politics. We are stuck in a medieval-type society where there are only two major divisions in society: the rich and the poor, and we all know what happens when that's the case.

That is true, and economics can explain why.

The middles and upper-middles of the country have much more to gain and lose from socio-political and socio-economic issues plaguing the country, and there are many of those to go around. It would be illogical for any political movement that seeks to reform or galvanize the Philippines, to turn to the poor and illiterate of this country. As charming as it is, their immediate interests lie in day-to-day affairs, and their lot is a lot worse than say, the homeless of of more developed countries. They are unable to see past their own plight, which is unfortunate yes, but will definitely not help in forming national policy for the PH.

That we will somehow be able to accommodate them, as a matter of political policy, immediately breaks the economic law of scarcity. To think that we can somehow accommodate all of them or that Keynesian economics is going to bail all of them out of the cycle of poverty is a pipe dream. They are not skilled workers. We've all heard the aspiring politician say that he wants to reach out to the poor - touching, but futile. The answer is in re-calibrating our policies and approach to investments both local and foreign. It's in investments in infrastructure, and in hanging (figuratively speaking) the incompetent buffoons in our government and injecting some fresh blood in, not only with aspirations and all their political agendas but also with a knowledge of economics and political economy. RAGE.

EDIT: I am not hating on the poor. I am just saying that policy grounded on their interests or social welfare catering specifically to their SEC, particularly when there are so many of them, and given our unsustainable population growth and misguided social policies, is only going to drain taxpayers' money and waste a lot of valuable time and resources the government could otherwise redirect to more profitable and beneficial investments.