In the Philippines, a general failure to enforce laws, regulations, rules, and procedures has created an almost totally “do as you please” environment, which in turn is the root cause of almost every problem this country faces today.
Government will argue that there is a working enforcement system, and that statistics show that the system is successful, but the reality is, the laws that are supposed to keep the country running smoothly, from traffic control to tax collection to simple procedures for handling paperwork, are ignored by citizens and enforcers alike. Whether in the most upscale Metro Manila neighborhood or on the remote island of Jolo, the chaos that passes for peace and order is not a result of uncontrollable elements – but rather a result of UNCONTROLLED elements. The situation is no more complicated than that.
Citizens often choose to obey or ignore a particular law based solely on whether it is convenient or in their interest to do so. The presence of a police officer does not motivate people to obey the law, and in fact, there is a general sense that the authorities are among the worst law-breakers. For the most part, I’m referring to minor crimes and violations, but these infractions, ignored by those who are charged with enforcing order, contribute to a general disrespect for the Rule of Law. Taxis openly refuse to carry passengers, in plain sight of a nearby policeman. Pimps and prostitutes not only solicit customers in plain sight, they often flirt with the cop on the beat while they wait. And of course, police mobile patrols violate every traffic law in the book, with absolutely no regard for the example they are setting. And on the administrative side, all it takes is a friend (or a little money) to get your documents placed on top of the stack at many government offices.
All these things contribute to the “why should I follow the rules” attitude among the general public. Despite government’s strong belief to the contrary, that attitude is not the cause of the country’s problems – it's just a symptom. And as with any illness, the only way to effectively and permanently cure the disease is to treat the cause.
The current administration talks about building a “Strong Republic”. I agree wholeheartedly, but I suggest that we focus our attention first on establishing a “Strong Foundation”. Foundation-level fundamentals, rather than macroeconomics, are where the country is weak. Fundamentals like enforcing the core rules and procedures that make any system work properly. Even a government with no money can dramatically improve the quality of its service, and provide that improved service to more people, by the simple act of enforcing its own laws.
And by “laws” I mean the whole range of rules, procedures, policies, regulations, directives, and all the other words that really just mean “you must do this”. These guidelines exist to ensure order and fair treatment for all. But in the Philippines, as in many underdeveloped countries, we use them as bargaining chips to gain favor or profit.
This one point is the single cause of almost all other problems this country faces. We will dig deeper into this idea as time goes on.
A collection of observations, discoveries, and general ramblings about Philippine politics and society, written by a guy who loves the country dearly -- in spite of the fact that it's slowly driving him crazy!
- accountability (10)
- citizenship (1)
- corruption (11)
- discipline (5)
- honor (8)
- insurgency (1)
- law enforcement (7)
- leadership (6)
- random (9)
- traffic (1)
"It's no use saying 'We are doing our best'. You have got to do what is necessary."
"Nobody makes a greater mistake than he who did nothing because he could only do a little."
"I cannot accept, your canon that we are to judge pope and king unlike other men, with a favorable presumption that they do no wrong. If there is any presumption, it is the other way against holders of power ... Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely."
"It is said that power corrupts, but actually it's more true that power attracts the corruptible. The sane are usually attracted by other things than power."
"The government is the potent omnipresent teacher. For good or ill it teaches the whole people by its example. Crime is contagious. If the government becomes a lawbreaker, it breeds contempt for law; it invites every man to become a law unto himself; it invites anarchy. To declare that the end justifies the means -- to declare that the government may commit crimes -- would bring terrible retribution."
"All that is necessary for evil to triumph, is for good men to do nothing."
Winston Churchill
"Nobody makes a greater mistake than he who did nothing because he could only do a little."
Edmund Burke
"I cannot accept, your canon that we are to judge pope and king unlike other men, with a favorable presumption that they do no wrong. If there is any presumption, it is the other way against holders of power ... Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely."
Lord Acton
"It is said that power corrupts, but actually it's more true that power attracts the corruptible. The sane are usually attracted by other things than power."
David Brin
"The government is the potent omnipresent teacher. For good or ill it teaches the whole people by its example. Crime is contagious. If the government becomes a lawbreaker, it breeds contempt for law; it invites every man to become a law unto himself; it invites anarchy. To declare that the end justifies the means -- to declare that the government may commit crimes -- would bring terrible retribution."
Justice Louis D. Brandeis
"All that is necessary for evil to triumph, is for good men to do nothing."
Edmund Burke
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