THE PHILIPPINE SITUATION AS VIEWED FROM THE US

The following exchange of emails may be of interest to the brethren

Bro. Jun


From: "Constante Pacis" (email address deleted)
To: "Geminiano Galarosa Jr."
Subject: Philippine Situation as viewed from the United States
Date: Wed, 19 Jan 2005 23:31:34 -0500


Jun,

Very disturbing news from here. Philippines now is second poorest and the second most corrupt in Asia base on the Survey of Asia Development Bank. Corrupt in any level of Government in almost any kind - from bribery, public contract taxes etc. It is sad that growth is so anemic that recovery is not possible. The survey was based on 120 countries and 800 industries.

How is the constant killing in Cebu City of these supposed robbers. The last time I seen the report was last week. It appeared like it became more open since the Mayor offer 20 G's for every robbery that is prevented, the vigilante type. I do not see follow ups anymore.

Tante
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Reply
Tante:

How can an object sink any further if it has already reached rock bottom? You yourself said that the Philippines is now the second poorest and the second most corrupt country in Asia, so all we need a little push to reach the gutter so that it can’t sink any further!!

Seriously now. History in almost all parts of the world has shown governments explode when the situation becomes unbearable, or comparing it to a cord, it will snap once its strength has reached breaking point.

Take the case of Thailand for example. It was, in the mid-eighties, one of the weakest nations in Asia. Coup-de-etats were so common. But look at it now!

I am not a doomsday soothsayer but the government that we have now is not tailored for us; the Filipinos are too bright for our own good. We enact pretty good laws only to look for the fine prints that will give the exceptions later on.

Washington SyCip, that Filipino-Chinese accounting genius with an American passport has already echoed the advisability of military rule despite reeking corruption in the military. This may prove a sensible solution for despite its weakness, there is still a chance for the military to cleanse itself. I can be wrong, but with young bloods in the military, and I personally knew a number of them, there is a good chance it can succeed.

And I trust this will come soon.

I will no longer touch your question on the killings. That’s too ordinary a situation it no longer needs elaboration. Davao had it first, and now Cebu follows suit.

I like your narration of the snow although I don’t think I will miss it at all. It’s like dreaming of owning a Mercedes Benz. Which makes me feel I’d rather not. Imagine the cost in keeping the Benz in tip-top condition!!

Do extend my regards to Sol. Lorma is busy cleaning the house. It’s her therapy nowadays!

Jun