This week two noteworthy events involving the Philippines made headlines: the botched rescue of Chinese tourists taken hostage by a disgruntled former policeman, and a botched response to a question by Miss Philippines in the finals for the Miss Universe contest. You might ask, what do these two things have in common? Separately, not much, but taken together, they represent both the peril and promise of the Philippines today.
For many years pundits have commented that the Philippines appears to be heading backwards economically and politically, while many parts of Asia barrel toward middle income status and have maturing democracies. Yes, other countries have disputed elections, other countries' leaders do questionable things, and other developing countries struggle to achieve sustainable economic growth. And, yes, there are recent examples of fresh political turmoil and economic hardship not only in Asia, but throughout the world.
The difference here is, many of the countries experiencing political instability and economic dislocation don't have the things the Philippines has: agricultural self-sufficiency, a high literacy rate, and a largely homogeneous population. One Asian country that possesses these qualities - Indonesia - has managed to transcend monumental political turmoil, turn its situation around, get on the path to democracy, stay there, and become a darling of the international investment community. The Philippines had this in the 1960s. Why can't it have it now?
When I lived in the Philippines from 2003 to 2007, I was asked, what is the difference between the Philippines and Indonesia? My answer was, "In Indonesia, they have hope." I came to the conclusion that in spite of all the things the Philippines has going for it, its people didn't demand enough of themselves, or of their government. Political apathy and a willingness to accept a low common denominator of performance have taken their toll on the psyche of the Philippine people.
Filipinos should not therefore be surprised that the Philippine police tried to negotiate with the hijacker of the Chinese tourist bus well after a reasonable period of time had passed, negotiations had failed, and the lives of the tourists were clearly in jeopardy. Police from a variety of other nations would have simply killed him at the first opportunity, regardless of the fact that he was a former colleague. This SWAT team knew how to get the results that were required, but they failed to do so. Why? Their priorities were misaligned. The safety of the hostages should have been paramount - not the fanciful notion that a man who is desperate enough to take hostages would somehow come to his senses at the height of the crisis.
The result of actions like this are unfortunately consistent with the expectations many people have of performance in other areas. Politically, the Philippines has descended into an ongoing competition between political dynasties: Marcos, Arroyo, and yes, Aquino. What I don't understand is, why do Filipinos continue to vote them in, election after election? Is it because of a lack of viable alternatives? No. Is it because of political apathy? Possibly. Or is it because they have no expectations that anything will change, regardless of who is in power? Definitely. What does this say about the country's future? Nothing good.
Which brings me to the Miss Universe contest. Miss Philippines, Maria Venus Raj, is by anyone's definition fantastically beautiful, poised, and graceful. Many believe she should have won the competition, and she deserves a lot of credit for being the first Filipina since 1999 to make it to the finals. But her flubbed response to the question of what mistake she had made in her life and what would she have done differently apparently cost her the crown. How could this 22-year-old woman, who so diligently prepared herself for that moment -- at great personal sacrifice her whole life - not have come up with a better response?
She was nervous, she said. Well, who among the finalists wasn't? Other Filipinos have said English wasn't her first language so she had difficulty coming up with the right words. Really? How come no other Philippine contestant in the Miss Universe pageant ever had an interpreter? In preparation for this event it never occurred to her or anyone around her that such a question might be asked? Had she come up with a better response, it is likely the crown would have been hers, and the Philippines would be basking in her glow. Instead, it's just another instance of a missed opportunity, and Filipinos are making excuses.
If the Philippines wants to get its act together and live up to its potential, it needs to demand more of itself. It can achieve this by stopping making excuses for its failures and ending its acceptance of the lowest common denominator. President Aquino promised to put an end to nepotism and corruption in government. The people should make sure he does this. When the police screw up a hostage rescue, the people responsible should be fired. And when a beauty queen blows an attempt to become the glory of the Philippine people, it should be recognized as such.
Daniel Wagner is Managing Director of Country Risk Solutions, a political risk consultancy based in Connecticut.
Corruption is a very complicated subject to tackle, most resort to platitudes. We have to differentiate between the types of corruption. Extortionary corruption is a red flag that shows that the government does not believe that it's position is tenable and is therefore aiming for the short term benefit of lining it's pockets. The non-solicited bribing of public officials should be seen as an indicator that something is going right. Nobody is going to try and bribe an official to get their way if they do not believe that the official is going to be around long enough to influence the situation. The trick is to distinguish one from the other and identify the reasons why one happens vs the other. In this sense the politicians are a strategic liability as they have consitently extorted the populace. Those bureaucrats that are linked to politicians and receive bribes to provide a service (illicit or not) may be leveraged to further a better strategic interests. After the government and society is stabilized then you can work to eradicate all corruption. I would caution that many societies see bribery as just another cost of doing business and that attempting to stamp it out would be a waste of limited time and dwindling assets. Telling people to simply 'just say no', is overly simplifying the issues and shows a lack of deep understanding of the subject at hand. This is another problem.
You can tell if a country's leaders care about you by the health care system a country has.
You can tell if a country's leaders care about your children by the education system a country has.
You can tell if a country's leaders care about your grand children by the environmental system a country has.
Has any of the past leaders really put the people ahead of themselves? Just look at your health care, education and environmental systems and you will know all you need to about why the Philippines is where it is. What needs to happen in the Philippines to cut out the cancer of corruption is to have a revolution, and that will never happen because that would require a population who is serious about change. But don't worry, the Chinese will soon control the country because they will "buy" everyone.
and besides, it is not all about the leaders. before you can really understand the current situation of the country, you must go back to its history. there you'll see that the real enemy of the masses are the elites. people are blinded when they think the Philippines is a genuine democracy. We are more of an oligarchy- run by families of economic and political elites who subdues the whole country under their own self-interests.
You get it - EXACTLY.
I'm not someone who likes to trash other people/cultures, and I DO care about the Philippines and its people. Why else would I bother to write such a piece?
Unfortunately, the best and brightest have tended to leave the Phils - for much greener pastures. And who wouldn't want to? Virtually every Filipino I met there simply wants to get out.
You're right that it will take courage for the best and brightest to return, and help rebuild. But the Phils has what it takes there right now. It's simply a question of focusing their tremendous energy in a positive direction.
I'm not suggesting, as one rather critical previous commentator on this blog suggested - that everyone simply hold hands and sing kumbaya. The Phils has the people and the natural resources to change, if it wants to. It needs a rallying point to do so - and it has done so with the right rallying point.
Let us hope that day comes soon...
DW
"truth". Wars have been fought and millions have been killed because of the inability of men to understand the idea that EVERYBODY has a different viewpoint." -- John Moore
Hurling insults on a website is truly one of the most cowardly acts possible. It is easy to say these things behind the security of the internet. 99.9% of the people here would never have the guts to say these kinds of things in person in front of a group of Filipinos. Believe me, I could write pages and pages of insults and criticisms of America and Muslims, etc. But I won't, because I'm not a spineless, gutless coward like many of those who commented here.
So to all Filipinos - don't argue. Don't feel the need to defend yourselves or our country on this forum. Take real action, and leave these pigs to wallow in their own bravado.
Now, if you (fellow Filipinos) reread this article a couple of times, then you would have understand that this article is absolutely positive without being harsh or insulting. If you don't like foreigners making analysis or assumptions or even an article that everyone from each part of the world will read it, then pull your act together and start doing something for the country.
And please, don't say that "you can't do anything because of our attempts will be nothing" or "the government is supposed to be the one who should be solving the problems of the country."
That. Is. Bull.Crap.
It's bloody everyone's responsibility to do something good and right for the country. Don't expect others (especially the government if you already knew that it's useless) to do things for you or for the country - that's just as awful and disappointing as being ignorant and apathetic.
In the words of my father (and others since it's an old-saying), "Kung may gusto, may paraan. Kung ayaw, maraming dahilan."
I don't accept the lowest common denominator for our countrymen. Mark my words, there will be a time when the Philippines will be the greatest country in the world. And I will be happy to have had a part in it. You, on the other hand, can continue typing your silly arguments against Tarik Ibn Batuta and waste both of your time.
I scrolled down and you have asked what the education system is like in the Philippines. My answer is: we are a third world country and truth to be told our education system is definitely lacking, I think this is one of the many reasons as to why Philippines is the way it is. The government refuses to invest more in educating it's people because it would backfire on them. That coupled with apathy, we're never going to win.
It's disappointing that your experiences with Filipinos have been negative, and although I readily admit that you are mostly correct I hope that you would put more tact in your comment and not offend us all. I have met many Filipinos who are successful and progressive, although small in numbers, I hope one day you will meet one and maybe change your mind about us.
You said it yourself, it's true. How can you call me a racist if it's true?
If I asked what percentage of Filipinas dabble in prostitution, would that be racist too?
The article is correct, you people get emotional, then make excuses.
I'm in central Bohol.
You say barely got nothing, but we enjoy not living in the city. I worked in Cebu for a year and went to school in Manila, not much of a city boy. But we do have electricity and our water is clean.
I still have relatives in those places, but it's not really as bad as you're describing it here. When was the last time you've visited?
We contribute. Many times our guides are our room and lodging providers, we all try to help each other. We organize clean ups, it's a must when you're a mountaineer, you clean up the beach and the mountains. And we all try to present the Philippines in a positive light. Everyone knows the problems in the Philippines.
Politics is politics. You can have your head in the clouds and try to change things from up above, or you can also get down and dirty on the ground and do some good there. In the clouds, you loose touch of the people, that's why your complaints are almost inseparable from the regular folks, you're blaming the system and the people.
You're just complaining and denigrating your people, for the sake of doing so now. I don't think you're doing anything in the Philippines anymore, otherwise you'd be less angry, maybe more fulfilled. Stop being so angry at yourself, you did good and you're going to continue to do good if you return.
Before you make your conclusion about us Filipinos, based on this lousy article, I would like to invite you to the Philippines for a trip to the mountains and its many beautiful beaches. Give us a chance to change your mind. Our small business has hosted French, Isrealis, Russians and Australians before and they've enjoyed and taken from the Philippines greatly.
The point is insurgencies bleed nations dry, look at Russia, look at the US now.
How long have you been out of the Philippines? You sound like a Fil-Am--ma'arte. Don't focus on the negatives.
There are Filipinos ecologist/mountaineers, even foreigners, introducing sustainable farming.
Litter and rest areas gets cleaned up.
Even in the States there are beach closures and floodings, but nature tends to recover.
Many backpackers (mostly young) visit the provinces, they don't get kidnapped. Rich Filipinos are probably more at risk.
Have you been to Jolo lately? With the Americans there?
I grew up in Kidapawan, Mindanao then my family moved to Bohol. I'm a province kid, so I'm very passionate about mountaineering and protecting the environment.
I try to do my part without complaining, seems a waste of time. It's my experience that people don't respond to negative re-enforcement. So when you take Filipinos and foreigners to Mt. Apo, meet locals along the journey, they see beauty in their land and it opens their eyes that they need to protect it. Positives need to re-enforced, not the negatives, or you'll have a nation of complainers.
What are you doing for your country, instead of just complaining about it?
Litter and rest areas get cleaned up? Really? It is clean because you said so? You haven't even cleaned up the trash from the previous Ondoy disaster and you have to lie in broad daylight? Just look at your electric posts - you still have all the trash from the previous elections - you can't see that - is your eyeball made of lead?
The US has flooding due to hurricane and typhoons not due to a thunderstorm - do you know why Davao City is the dengue capital of the Philippines? It's sewage system was constructed in the 1950s and has not been updated yet - it's half a century and it's still the same pwede mentality :)
Dude - kidnappers know enough to choose their targets - they have this thing between their ears called a brain.
Well obviously, your lack of complaining led to one helluva mess all over the ceiling :)
Since you want a pissing contest - I'll indulge you - I'll tell you what I did - I bought in PhP24 billion ($1B at 1996 rates) between 1994-1997 in investments - that gave people jobs, food, shelter - my team - look up "Invest in Davao" project - we turned that city around from a backwater into what Asiaweek now calls the Philippines most liveable city. I'm from Davao and I mean business. So let me throw this back to you now - What HAVE YOU done?
But we digress - the
Sorry to here about Davao's sewage. We don't have sewage problems in the province.
Congrats on being a businessman, but what happened after 1997? Are you still active in your community now?
I just graduated and my friends and I are running an eco-tourism/mountaineering/surfing/diving company to teach foreigners and pinoys about their land. We ask various homes and carinderias to be spick and span when we bring in our quests. We make it a point to introduce our quests to the local people. So there's plenty of exchange that we facilitate.
As for Suharto, you're right, I went there in 98 for a security detail, and their roads, bridges, inter island ferries were functional, like clock work. In the Philippines, the Marcos regime started out great in the 70s, but because of the communist and Moro movement, his regime just stop delivering. From there it's been downhill.
How did Suharto's reign become successful, did he not have to worry about insurgencies in Indonesia?
Marcos, however, acted more like the Manila SWAT, in trying to deal with the two insurgencies. It just kept eating away. Eventually, the institutions that made up the Philippine gov't, gifted by the Americans, withered away.
Suharto ultimately fell because he stopped listening to his economic advisers during the Asian Financial Crisis. Toward the end he could not make the hard economic choices necessary to pull Indonesia out of the crisis, because it would have hurt his family's business interest.