Where, Exactly, Is The Philippines Headed?

Here I was, happily researching about the various acts of neglect and infractions the Philippine government has visited upon Filipino citizens working abroad, when I stumbled upon a lively, sometimes snide and somewhat cynical exchange of opinions, regarding the state of the Philippines today. The forum was hosted by my friend Jun Cabal, a former foreign worker in the US. I decided to take a closer look.

The letter that started this discussion states that: “…our nation is headed towards an irreversible path of economic decline and moral decadence…" That in thirty years, "the Philippine population will grow to 160 million, 90 million of whom will live below the poverty line, and we’ll probably be the most corrupt nation in Asia… and not even two Peoples’ Revolutions have made a dent in reversing this trend." (According to the letter writer, we’re ranked 11th in the roster of most corrupt Asian countries right now.)

He says: "We need a force far greater than our collective efforts… it’s time to move the battle to the spiritual realm…” He firmly believes that only prayer can save the Philippines.

Jerry L, an American married to a Filipina decries the idea of praying. He contends that “the primary reason for poverty in the country is my own Church. The Catholic Church is second only to the government in corruption, being the 'opiate of the masses' as Karl Marx said all those years ago.”

Jerry the cynical thinks prayer alone solves nothing. If one needs to create change, one must get up and do something for one’s self.

Joel, a Filipino living in the US suggests --- and I hope to God he’s joking --- that the Philippines apply to become America’s 51st state, replace the President with an American governor, and then hire Clint Eastwood or Sarah Palin for the job. One of the benefits, he adds, is that we won’t need visas to go to the US.

Philippine Chief Justice Reynato S. Puno, who launched the Moral Force Movement in Manila last August, has a different solution. He recognizes the need to change but believes what counts is the change within ourselves – “a change based on realization that we often faulted others for our problems when we ourselves have defaulted in our fight for our moral virtues and principles.”

Wow. My mind reels when I consider these ideas and the future of my home country. Everyone of these men has a point, although I disagree with Jerry when he equates praying with the Church itself. Praying is a very personal act that could focus the mind and clear one’s perceptions, and it doesn’t have to be done inside a church. Praying could probably help the Philippines.

Joel, I suspect, is most likely a former TNT (tago ng tago --- a Pinoy slang for illegal immigrant) who's gotten a US pardon, (I could be wrong) and thus appreciates the importance of having a green card, but has no intention of ever going back to the Philippines. But he’s gotta be kidding about Palin. Why not Stallone? No offense intended.

Now, I think Chief Justice Reynato Puno is on to a good thing when he suggested that first effecting a change within ourselves will change the Philippines. Yet even then, my opinion is, this is a change that would see result only in the next generation. Not today, not next year, but perhaps during the time of our grandchildren. In filmmaking, we always say, SHOW, DON’T TELL. If parents live the change they wish to make, and individually become a walking example to their children, then maybe. Let's plant the seed and watch it grow.

But where are some of these parents? Working abroad, keeping the economy back home afloat by sending monthly remittances. According to last count, foreign workers sent a record amount of US $ 24 billion dollars in 2012 alone. So they can hardly be home to teach their kids about change.

My point is, where do we start? The country is bleeding its brains into the international labour market everyday, because it’s not worthwhile staying home. Children are being left under the care of others, while many mothers look after other people’s kids. These young people, the future of the nation, are left inadequately supervised, a lot of them quitting school, joining gangs, abusing drugs, because their parents are out there making money.

I say start the change within ourselves, as CJ Puno advises; even start praying --- not necessarily going to church --- because I don’t think there’s much we can do at the moment. And another thing, those of us working abroad should maybe think about going home more often. Keep reconnecting with the kids. That’s what I’ve been trying to do. One day I’ll go home and never leave, and perhaps show my grandkidz how they can help save the Philippines individually. Slow but sure. Pray for me.

(previously published at Millwoods Mosaic, Sept 15, 2009 issue)