5 Major Reasons Why The Philippines is Still A Poor Country

By Alon Calinao Dy: While it's true "it's more fun in the Philippines," we can't hide the reality that the word fun is commonly applied for those Filipinos who have lots of money to go anywhere they want to be and eat three meals a day.

I don’t think we can necessarily just say "I am rich because I am happy being with my family," but if we are going to take a look the Philippines in general, there are many poor people than the rich ones.

As a politically aware individual, I can only speak on behalf of my own ideas why our beloved nation suffers too much from the people who just think of themselves rather than the best interest of the majority.

I've written 5 major reasons why the Philippines is still a poor country until today: 

1. Politics- we live in a world of politics. In the Philippines, the influence of politics is powerful in all aspects of our lives. Most candidates who enter politics are not there to serve and protect the interest of the poor, but by themselves, their own businesses.

The evil of politics is when you do everything to keep your power even if you are obliged to do something bad at the expense of killing your political rivals. Thus if you have enjoyed politics, you are going to steal people's money for your future candidacy.

2. Corruption- Everyone knows that corruption is a big problem in the country. When political leaders say they are not corrupt, it's a big lie. BULLSh!T.

I was not born yesterday,  all I can say: "Ang Magnanakaw ay galit sa kapwa magnanakaw." In English, Thieves are mad to their fellow thieves.

Is it survival of the thieves not the fittest? Nowadays, the situation gets worse because leaders from the highest government to the lowest government position know how to steal people's money. They live from the people's tax. What a shame!

3. Character- Filipinos have a mix of attitudes and values. We are not united in terms of who is a great leader. We always have something to say against each other. We do not know how to listen to one another's personal opinion. 

All we know we are the experts and know what is best for the country. Hey, just take a one-minute time out and calm your senses!

4. Lack of A Strong Justice System- Criminals and brutal gangs are everywhere. They recognize our laws have no claws and so, they can do whatever they want to do because they have a lot of connections, money, and power.

Another instance is those hold-uppers who committed an actual criminal offense. If there is no complaint, then the case is automatically closed. 

We know they have perpetrated a terrible crime, why wouldn't our law enforcers execute them to cut down their growing numbers? Oh, we have Human Rights who sometimes tolerate their bad activities.

5. Unrest in Mindanao- We all know that war is bad for the economy. If there is a violence within the area, many business establishments are going to shut down, and the ones who are being affected by this scenario are the common laborers who have families to feed.

The impact of war is only the devastation of many innocent lives. Unless the Philippines has peace and order in Mindanao, nothing will change. 

It is significant to have a lasting peace in Mindanao, but the Bansangmoro Basic Law is not a guarantee that we are going to achieve the kind of peace we all ever want.