Is the Philippines Poised for Another "People Power" Revolt?
A commentary by Edmond Macaraeg
United Church of God pastor, Philippines
Fueled by massive street rallies in
Metro Manila, the news media in the Philippines is focused on the mounting
pressure on President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo to resign, or face impeachment.
Ten of her cabinet secretaries have withdrawn their support from her
by tendering their resignations. Of course, if the military establishment
continues to support her she may hold on to power indefinitely.
What is the cause of this recent crisis? Partly, it is the widespread
perception that in the last national election President Arroyo's
supporters employed the "Dagdag-Bawas" scheme [the padding
and shaving of votes] to insure her win over her top contender, Fernando
Poe, Jr.
Initial suspicion of voter irregularities was later confirmed when
tape-recorded phone conversations between her and an Elections Commissioner
became public knowledge. Finally, a few days ago, she publicly apologized
for her "lapse of judgment" but her credibility had already
been critically damaged.
In the Philippines it is common knowledge that during the Commonwealth
Government period (1935-1946) the first President Manuel Quezon in his
fervent quest for immediate independence said: "I would
rather have a Philippines run like hell by Filipinos, than a Philippines
run like heaven by Americans." Sadly those famous words were grosslymisinterpreted by
many to mean lowering their personal ethical standards of honest conduct.
That was not his intent. But his words have been twisted out of context
and used to justify unethical standards to the point that corruption
is now regarded as "endemic" to this nation.
The fruit of this malady is evident in the economic decline from the
Commonwealth period to the present. During that time, the nation had
a dollar to peso exchange rate of $1 = P2. It has since deteriorated
to about $1 = P55. Also, during that period some Japanese and Chinese
men would even come to work in this country as gardeners or cooks. Now,
in contrast, our Filipino women go to Japan or Hong Kong to work as "entertainers" or
domestic helpers.
In the light of this present crisis, the relationship of national morality
to political order and economic welfare was recently highlighted in a
public statement by the very influential Catholic Bishops Conference
of the Philippines (CBCP). Issued on July 10, 2005, it reads in part: "At
the center of the crisis is the issue of moral value ... The people mistrust
our economic institutions … whose lack of moral compass produces
for our people a life of grinding dehumanizing poverty. They also mistrust
... our political system. This mistrust is not recent. For a long time
now, while reveling in political exercises, our people have shown a lack
of trust in political personalities, practices, and processes. Elections
are often presumed tainted rather than honest. Congressional and senate
hearings are sometimes narrowly confined to procedural matters and often
run along party lines ..."
Over many decades, in spite of valiant efforts to correct this situation
by some well-meaning, sincere administrators as well as ethical and honorable
citizens, the problem has remained widespread. It is so entrenched that
even sincere governmental attempts to make a meaningful dent in those
corrupt practices have shown little effect.
What's the solution?
We need higher standards for our individual and national morality. This
need is not limited to the Philippines. It is a global need. And i mprovement
must begin at the level of the individual citizen.
The Bible explains, "Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is
a reproach to any people" (Proverbs 14:34). It also gives us this
insight and advice "When the righteous are in authority, the people
rejoice; but when a wicked man rules, the people groan" (Proverbs
29:2).
God's Ten Commandments provide the moral principles that make
or break individuals and nations—depending on whether they apply
or ignore them. They are active, living laws just like the law of gravity.
The God who gave them tells those who would serve Him to "... to
walk in all His ways and to love Him, to serve the LORD your God with
all your heart and with all your soul, and to keep the commandments of
the LORD ... for your good" (Deuteronomy 10:12-13).
Where do you stand? Does your life reflect those ethical principles
that make a righteous, law-abiding community? Are you a part of your
nation's ethical problem, or are you a part of its solution. Do
you know how to apply God's commandments to the situations you
face day by day?
 For
a compelling explanation of the far-reaching application of God's commands
to all aspects of life—including your life—act now
to request or download (or read online) our free and enlightening booklet: The
Ten Commandments.
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