Activity # 11

Direction: Through a tabular presentation, show the various issues in Philippine History along
Social issues, Political issues, Economic issues, Cultural issues.

A. Social Issues Poverty, unemployment and

environmental legislation are the major
issues facing the country, and these
problems have resulted in a large number
of Filipinos moving overseas for work. We
believe social entrepreneurship can help
address some of the issues facing the
Philippines at the moment
B. Political Issues It is very easy to point to the politicians as
the biggest problem. Ineptitude,
corruption, graft, nepotism, just to name a
few of the qualities associated with politics
in the Philippines. BUT…
The real problem though lies in the fact
that the VOTERS are not voting for the
right people, nor do they hold the
politicians up to a high standard.
They feel helpless against the system.
When in truth and in fact, all they have to
do to serve notice to our politicians that
they are not doing a good job, is choose
another candidate, instead of keeping the
same people and families in power for
decades. The voters claim that they want
change, but they keep electing the same
people into office (congress in particular).
It sends a wrong message to our
politicians; that their government work is
not important, and that only their campaign
performances are crucial in winning.
Most of the voters are also unfamiliar with
the separation of powers and
responsibilities among the three branches
of government. They tend to believe that
electing a president is like voting for a
“superman” who is capable of moving
mountains at will. It is common for people
running for executive positions to promise
“legislative” reforms like lowering taxes.
And people who run for legislative
positions tend to prove their track record
by putting up posters with their pictures
 claiming credit for infrastructure programs
(an executive function) rather than laws
they passed.
Also quite often, a career in showbiz or
professional sports can be a sure ticket to
electoral victory, whether or not the
candidate is qualified. Some even
promising to take up classes to “learn”
how to do their jobs AFTER they win.
Politics is largely a dirty word locally. The
people often forget that at it’s root,
POLITICS, is about “policy” or laws.
Voters are stuck at a stage in political
awareness where those who hold power
are sometimes wrongly assumed to
possess “monarchial” powers, hence the
people expect government officials to fix
any problem by decree. It is as if the
voters believe that they are voting for
absolute monarchs for executive positions,
while the legislators (the real holders of
power) are often relegated to second class
status (ladies-in-waiting), where their
chances of winning re-election is
dependent on supporting the “winning”
executive.
Very few are familiar with the saying…
“We deserve the government we elect.”
In a nutshell, yes, there’s a problem, the
good news is, there’s a solution.
EDUCATING THE VOTERS.

C. Economic Issues These economic issues are the higher rate

of unemployment, lack of education,
insufficient facilities and poor
infrastructure, dependence of overseas
remittances and corruption.
D. Cultural Issues A potent and dangerous mix of inferiority
complex and blind faith.
Filipinos tend to like and find their own
race/status far more inferior to other
(typically white/ european/ upper-class)
and literally worship this idea. Filipinos
love the idea of the classical “American
Dream", and the prospects of capitalism,
western branding, etc. At the same time,
lambast and fuel critique of their own
imperfections. Like their “idol" America,
there's a self-inflicting struggle of socio-
political and economical divide.
Additionally, it is written in history that the
people themselves vote into power those
who are merely popular in terms of looks,
and achievements widely different from
the requires competencies. Actors,
activists, people of famous names have
been into power simply on the basis of
fame and fortune that can turn tides to
gain favor of the gullible masses.
Solution is simple, but complex at the
same time: Filipinos will have to reeducate
themselves that things can be done when
the goal they crave is common. Unlike
America, Philippines has a common
population with an identifiable history as a
people.
Politicizing swathes of issues should be
kept out. Self-loathing and character-
labelling removed from the Filipino psyche.
Encouraging to work smart and hard
should and must be encouraged. The
Philippines as a whole still continues to
have an incredible potential as a country,
not just relying glory on individual talent.