Last Saturday, I read the title of the article written by the late Ninoy Aquino, What's wrong with the Philippines?
I glanced at the article but that's about it.
Then, many thoughts crossed my mind about the question. And it occurred to me, the answer is - A lot.
That in spite of our rich natural resources, beautiful tourist spots, good and skilled workers, bright and artistic talents, great food, good hospitality - warmth and smile and all, our country seems to be inundated with a negative image, thanks to the international and local media alike. They are the main culprit? No. But they contributed significantly to the perception that the world has on the Philippines as a country.
Negative perceptions abound - we are known for providing the domestic helpers abroad - in effect, people look down at us Filipinos and think of us as a country of slaves, or domestic helpers in this modern era, foreigners hooking up with mail-order brides, corrupt government officials making our country the favorite place for smuggling, drug and human trafficking. Name it, it was even insinuated that the perpetrators of the 9/11 tragedy honed their preparations here before launching it with finesse.
So what's basically wrong with the Philippines?
Actually it doesn't have anything to do with the location. It's the people, the culture, the breeding, the lack of immorality, accountability that contributed negatively to the nation's perception.
We were labeled once the sick man of Asia and more recently, one of the most corrupt countries in Asia.
It doesn't take much thought to find out what's wrong. Though the Philippines may be known as the only Christian country in the region, bottomline is the people's selfish ways and corrupt mindset.
So with the decaying moral fibre of some of our people, mostly in the government industry, no wonder, services are rotten and unparalleled.
God help us. God save the Philippines.
