If a foreigner were to ask you point blank why our country is in such a mess, how would you respond?

Joel Caluag, Bulacan: I would answer point blank, “It’s because we Filipinos allow it to happen. I don’t blame government officials solely for the mess.”

Rosalinda Abilar, Mandaluyong City: I would say, “Tell me which country has no mess.”

RP is not an exception

Germi Sison, Cabanatuan City: I can simply answer to such a degrading question that all nations in the world have their own share of good and bad sides of life in their own time. The Philippines is now tagged among the most corrupt nations in the world but she was also known for the phenomenal victorious bloodless revolution the world called People Power.

Gerry del Cano, Muntinlupa City: The causes of this mess are selfishness, greed and ungodliness. These are also the reasons why the whole world is in trouble.

Cris Rivera, Rizal: I’d tell this foreigner that he is a jerk. My country is not alone in this state of dirt and confusion. There’s no paradise without snakes.

Nestor Buñag, Mandaluyong City: I’d look him straight in the eye and say, “I beg your pardon, sir, but you must be ill-advised. Somalia’s state is helter-skelter, while other governments here and there are in shambles. What we have here is a big sign of progress in a pure, sometimes excessive democracy. Tell me your nationality and let me comment on your government, too.”

Joanna Rizza Bagano, Benguet: There is actually not much difference from all other countries. All countries have problems, but our country doesn’t have all the solutions. We cannot sweep the mess under the rug anymore. Our burdens have gone higher than the prices we pay for our needs. We don’t feel the presence of the government.

Bad leadership

E. Linsangan, Isabela: With a smile, I’d tell the foreigner that, maybe, it’s what we get for voting the wrong people. We Pinoys are persevering and resilient. No amount of difficulties can put us down and you see, life here is 10 times better than life in Iraq. If we have problems, we just grin and bear it.

Delfin Todcor, Mt. Province: I would acknowledge the mess of leadership mismanagement and tell them that we are praying fervently for our leaders to repent and mend their ways.

Gerii Calupitan, Muntinlupa City: I’d reply: “Marcos fooled us for over 20 years. His cronies, including Imelda and her blue ladies, made money while we suffered. So, if you’re from Uganda, Haiti, Red China or Iran, you’ll know why, because of Idi Amin, Duvalier, Mao, the Shah. All of them were members of the “Rulers for Life Club”, splurging while their people wallowed in poverty.

Osmundo Lim, Caloocan City: I would tell them that this is caused by government officials who are corrupt and unfit to govern our country. Marcos, who looted our government for 20 years, started it all.

Leonard Villa, Batac City: It’s due to the mismanagement of government public officials who are half-hearted in serving the people who expect much from their leaders.

Eric Gopilan, Quezon City: Our country is in a mess because our political leaders are not sincere in serving the masses.

June Deoferio, Cavite: I would tell him that in this country, crocodiles, not people, rule the government.

Vic Alim, Caloocan City: I would say, “Blame it on ‘follow the leader.’ Our leaders are crooks; followers have become crooks as well. Most Christians are Christians only in name.”

Lydia Reyes, Bataan: Well, I’d answer this foreigner point blank and without batting an eyelash, “We chose the most incompetent leaders!”

Voz Butuyan, Pangasinan: I would attribute it to the stratospheric success of the incompetents and idiots who wreck our government with sinister stealth and finesse.

Renato Taylan, Ilocos Norte: I would readily smile and say: “That’s the way things are at the moment, buddy. Most of those in high places of government are our problem.”

Jun Totañes, Parañaque City: I would tell him that it’s because we have too many politicians and too few statesmen.

J.R. Mondonedo Jr., Parañaque City: Simple. I would just say, “It’s in the blood of most Pinoys and it gets worse when they get a position in government.”

It depends

I. Calata, Parañaque City: If he were a friend, I wouldn’t mind at all, and I just might give him the anatomy of the mess. I might even give him details on the most favorite topic of discussion here: Corruption. But if the foreigner were a stranger who came from an equally messy country or worse, I would stop him in his tracks and tell him, point blank, to go home and fix their own mess.

Negative media

D. Villagonzalo, Cebu City: Ed Angeles, Pasay City: We’re in a mess because of loudmouths and some media who stress only the negative, sowing disunity, discord, and despair.

I would tell him point blank that he must be reading the other paper and taking their top columnist too seriously, or he must be watching TV Patrol World too much. If we were in the middle of a jungle in Sulu or in the boondocks of Southern Negros, where remaining NPA members persist in trying to make people believe in their outdated ideologies, he could have a point. But from there, I would right away invite him to come to Cebu. Here, that foreigner will find people who know how to respect people for what they are.

Toss him back the question

Sahlee Reyes, Las Piñas City: I’d give him a shot: What planet are you from, Joe? Don’t you read the papers at all? Give me a break!

Norberto Robles, Taguig: I’d ask the foreigner what the situation is in his country compared to ours in terms of media objectivity, crime, economic and other statistics.

C.B. Manalastas, Manila: “You wouldn’t be here enjoying our beautiful Philippines if our country were in such a mess, would you?”

Noel Navales, Antipolo City: I’d say, “Excuse me, but I’m just a taxpayer. This country wasn’t always in such a mess. Our politicians had to work on it! Lust for power fueled by greed made it what it is today. Enjoy your stay and maybe you’ll see the brighter side of things.”

Corruption

Christine Margarette Estipular, Baguio City: My simple answer is corruption. It’s as simple as that. Most officials in government want to partake of whatever money they can get from government projects. 

Rocky Balaoing, Maricaban: Our country is in a mess because of corruption, which can’t be denied. Not even the smallest project is forgiven. Terrorists, too, are threatening.

L.C. Fiel, Quezon City: It’s sad to admit that we’re in such a huge mess because we condone corruption with the kind of officials we elect.

Seth Carranza, Catanduanes: It’s because of our corrupt political leaders, from top to bottom.

Jess Carpena, Metro Manila: It hurts, but it’s the truth: We are a country of corrupt leaders and undisciplined people.

Digoy Coro, Batangas: I would answer, “Your country might be better off, but just like in any other country, including yours, corruption in government is the culprit.”

Ella Arenas, Pangasinan: I don’t have to say anything because the Philippines is well-known as a corrupt country. That’s already enough publicity sa naghihingalong bayan kong Pilipinas.

Alfred Thieme, Batangas: Three reasons: Corruption, lack of discipline, uneducated voters.

Tony Gomez, Parañaque City: It’s because our leadership is corrupt, our justice system is corrupt, and our people are unconcerned.

Gil Balobalo, Laguna: It’s due to too much politics, undisciplined citizenry at talamak na corruption.

Col. Ben Paguirigan Jr., Ret., Zamboanga City: I would answer the foreigner point blank, too that it’s graft and corruption, greed for money and power of elected and appointed leaders, and the lack of political will of our leaders.

None of his business

Jose Fabello Jr., Cagayan de Oro City: I would treat the foreigner to a sumptuous dinner in Kamayan and, when he’s full, I’d tell him: Whatever mess we may have in our country, people are still quick to laugh and to smile and to eat in such sweet abandon. We are not in such a mess as newspapers portray. Just look around!

Lorenzo Fernandez Jr., Cabanatuan City: Even if what he says is true, I would tell him, “Mind your own business.” The trouble with foreigners is that they look down on us with contempt and superiority whatever we do, good or bad.

Romeo Caubat, Masbate: Asking me point blank is a sort of disrespect or an affront to me, so I’d tell the said foreigner, “Mind your own business and please go home immediately!”

I would tell the truth

Armando Tavera, Las Piñas City: In all honesty, I would tell him why, to the best of my knowledge.

C.K. Yeo, Iloilo City: It would be foolhardy and dishonest to cover up for our corrupt politicians, dishonest businessmen, dogmatic churchmen and average low-IQ electorate. Tell the truth. The truth may be shameful; it may hurt, but accepting the truth is the first step to real reform.

Too much politics

Erwin Espinosa, Pangasinan: Our country is in such a mess because of our politicians. Utak talangka kasi sila at kurakot pa ang karamihan sa kanila. It’s as simple as that.

Nick Ocampo, Angeles City: I would just tell the foreigner that it’s because of too much politics.

Rodolfo Razon, Caloocan City: Our country is in such a mess because of our crab mentality and the trapos who only think of themselves.

Ric Vergara, Calamba City: I would say the culprit is the present multi-party system where unqualified but popular election candidates enjoy the upperhand in politics.

Rey Onate, Palayan City: My answer: “The mess you’re referring to is our politics and the nation’s leadership, which is the exclusive turf of trapos, rich political clans, rich monopolists, the unpatriotic elite, and non-nationalistic oligarchs. Give us more or less a decade and these pretentious and indifferent creatures shall be ejected into oblivion by true Filipinos, the patriotic middle class.”

Vir Lauzon, General Santos City: It’s simple. The reasons are corruption and too much politics!

Nick Ocampo, Angeles City: I would just tell the foreigner it’s because of too much politics.

Fortunato Aguirre, Bulacan: It’s because our country is a victim of too much dirty politics and governed by greedy and corrupt leaders.

Damaged culture

Richard Decena, Quezon City: Although it’s a shame, I would tell the foreigner that we have a damaged culture. Nakakahiya talaga!

Juan Eduardo, Baguio City: Foreigners who know us know we have no consideration for the rights or feelings of others.

Jim Veneracion, Naga City: I’d tell him that we have a damaged culture, having been colonized by three conquering nations, we never learn the lessons of history, and we’re corrupt.

Rico Fabello, Parañaque City: I would tell the foreigner that it is the result of our attitude and culture plus greed and hypocrisy. This country is full of bright people. No president is ever good enough for it.

Edwin Castillo, Tanauan City: My response: “Sorry, we are the only Christian nation in Asia with a damaged culture of corruption and mal-education but we will change for the better.”

Wasted opportunities

Dino Monzon, Caloocan City: I’d say it’s because we waste chances to improve and we still lack true political unity. We still deal with old-school politicians and we fear real reforms.

Felmar Rowell Singco, Northern Samar: First, I would tell him that our country is like this because of the inordinate and fanatic love that Filipinos have for their own family, relatives, and friends. Then, I would tell my foreigner-friend that our revolutions have all been half-baked, from the Bonifacio revolution to the Edsa ones, so that no lasting changes to cure the societal cancer in the Filipino psyche and society have been achieved thus far.

That’s Philippine democracy

Pedro Alagano, Vigan City: I’d adapt a defensive gesture and tell him, “That’s part of democracy, Philippine-style”.

Nony de Leon, Bulacan: We have a largely immature nation that we try to govern with a system designed for responsible adults a clear mismatch. We must either wait for our society to mature for another century or so, or change the system of government to a more suitable one soonest.

Antonio Aguas, Quezon City: I would say that it’s because of our democratic system of government. It’s a numbers game.

The price of freedom

Eduardo Po, Manila: Pres. Quezon said, “I would rather have a country run like hell by Filipinos than a country run like heaven by the Americans.” Need I say more?

Rodolfo Talledo, Angeles City: Go to hell, mister, if you have no inkling of our politics. This thing you call messy is what makes us the happiest creatures in this planet.

Johann Lucas, Quezon City: It only shows that in a democracy we encounter such mess; freedom is fun, isn’t it?

C.B. Fundales, Bulacan: RP itself is relatively well-off than most. It faces problems towards maturity, but its people won’t be one of the happiest if it were in such a mess.

What mess?

Ryan Pahimulin, Rizal: What mess? Many areas in the Philippines are world-class in cleanliness and efficiency.

Dave Velasco, Marinduque: Frankly, I would respond that he sees only one side of the coin and tell him point blank to have 20-20 vision objectivity.

J. Edwin Cunanan, San Juan: Our country isn’t in such a mess. There are just some priorities the government needs to attend to. Everything looks okay. We still have jobs.

Views expressed in this section do not necessarily reflect the editorial position of The STAR. The STAR does not knowingly publish false information and may not be held liable for the views of readers exercising their right to free expression. The publication also reserves the right to edit contributions to this section as it sees fit.

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