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Monday, May 05, 2025

Entitlement and the lousy 1987 Constitution

Is "Entitlement" a Symptom of a Lousy Economic System in the Philippines?


The term “entitlement” has been used to describe behaviors where individuals feel they deserve special treatment or benefits without necessarily earning them. In the Philippines, this concept often surfaces in social discussions, tied to generational clashes or workplace dynamics. But what if we look beyond individual attitudes? Could the prevalence of this so-called “entitlement” be linked to a flawed economic system?


Understanding “Entitlement” in Context


Before diving deeper, it’s important to clarify what “entitlement” means in the Filipino context. It often refers to people expecting assistance, privileges, or rewards without proportional effort. This stereotype has been applied to various groups—from younger generations perceived as demanding work-life balance to certain communities reliant on government assistance.

But where does this sense of entitlement come from? Is it purely a personal failing, or is there a systemic problem contributing to these attitudes?

A Lousy Economic System: The Real Culprit?


The Philippines has faced persistent economic challenges that shape its social and cultural landscape. These challenges include high levels of poverty, economic inequality, a job market that struggles to keep up with a growing population, and systemic corruption. Let's explore how these factors might contribute to what is perceived as a culture of entitlement.

1. Economic Inequality and Limited Opportunities


One of the primary reasons for entitlement in the Philippines could be the uneven distribution of resources and opportunities. When only a small portion of the population has access to quality education, good jobs, and upward mobility, the rest may feel disadvantaged and frustrated. This frustration can manifest as entitlement—a sense that one deserves more because of the hardship they have faced.

A young graduate, for example, who studied hard but finds the job market saturated and underpaying may feel entitled to a higher salary or better working conditions than what’s available. This isn’t simply a baseless demand; it’s a reflection of a system that fails to reward effort and education adequately.

2. Generational Economic Shifts


Each generation has faced unique economic challenges. Older generations may have experienced slower economic growth but benefited from a lower cost of living. Millennials and Gen Z, however, are entering adulthood at a time when the cost of living is significantly higher, and job stability is more elusive. The feeling of entitlement among younger Filipinos may stem from these economic realities, as they struggle to achieve financial independence in a system that seems skewed against them.

3. A System That Breeds Dependency


The Philippines has social safety nets and aid programs that, while helpful, are not always effective or sustainable. These programs can sometimes create dependency, especially when there are few opportunities for people to transition from relying on assistance to achieving self-sufficiency. This dependency can then be mistaken for entitlement, as those dependent on aid may continue to expect support without exploring alternatives.

However, the problem here is not laziness or a flawed character trait—it is a system that doesn’t offer enough viable options for economic advancement. When people feel stuck, they may resort to demanding more from the system that they believe has let them down.

4. Cultural Factors and Family Structures


In the Philippines, family is a strong cultural pillar, and many households operate as close-knit units where resources and responsibilities are shared. This has pros and cons; while it can foster community and resilience, it can also create a mindset where individual responsibility is less emphasized. If a family member always steps in to help during hard times, this could reinforce a sense of entitlement to that help. But again, this is shaped by an economic system that makes self-sufficiency harder to achieve.

Changing the Narrative


Labeling entitlement as merely a personal or generational failing oversimplifies the issue. The reality is that economic systems and policies play a significant role in shaping attitudes and expectations. Addressing entitlement effectively requires:

Job Creation and Better Wages: Ensuring that there are ample job opportunities that pay fair wages is crucial for creating a system where people can thrive without relying on external support.

Education Reform: Improving access to quality education and aligning it with job market demands can help bridge the gap between education and employment.

Support for Entrepreneurship: Encouraging entrepreneurship and providing support for small and medium enterprises can foster independence and reduce economic dependency.

Policies to Reduce Inequality: Implementing policies that narrow the wealth gap and promote social mobility can help create a fairer society where people feel their efforts are rewarded.


A Call for Empathy and Systemic Change


While it’s easy to dismiss entitlement as an attitude problem, it’s more productive to view it as a symptom of deeper, systemic issues. Filipinos deserve a system that values hard work, offers fair opportunities, and provides a realistic path to self-improvement. It’s time to shift the conversation from blaming individuals to addressing the structural challenges that fuel these perceptions.

By recognizing that what may be labeled as “entitlement” is often rooted in economic disparity, we can begin to create solutions that empower people rather than shame them. A stronger, fairer economic system will foster a culture of resilience, gratitude, and genuine ambition—one where everyone has the chance to succeed without needing to rely solely on demands.

Sunday, May 04, 2025

Votes for sale

Vote Selling Won’t Stop Until We Fix the System

Every election season, we hear the same plea repeated over and over:
  • Don’t sell your vote.
  • Vote wisely.
  • Think of your children’s future.
And while these slogans have the right intention, let's be brutally honest:
Do you really think simply telling people not to sell their votes is going to work?

The harsh reality is that no matter how many times we tell them, the practice of vote-buying will continue as long as the system that perpetuates poverty, desperation, and political dependency remains unchanged.

Who Are the Usual Targets of Vote-Buying?

It’s no secret: Vote-buying targets the poor, the marginalized, and the desperate.

The sectors that sell their votes are often not evil or ignorant—they are simply people struggling to survive. When someone’s daily question is, "Where will my next meal come from?" and a politician offers even a few hundred pesos, it becomes a transaction of survival, not betrayal of civic duty.

Given the cruel choice between "vote wisely" and "feed my family today," what do you honestly expect people to choose?

Moralizing Won’t Solve It — Empowerment Will

We cannot guilt people out of poverty. We cannot lecture people into ignoring immediate needs.
We must economically empower them.

Economic empowerment means providing people with:
  • Stable livelihood opportunities
  • Access to quality education and healthcare
  • Decent wages and jobs near their communities
  • Basic food security and affordable housing

It doesn't mean everyone becomes rich overnight. It simply means people live comfortably enough, so that vote-buying money becomes irrelevant, even insulting to their dignity.

Only when survival is no longer a daily crisis can people vote freely, wisely, and courageously.

The Root Problem: A Broken, Outdated System

Poverty is not random. It is manufactured and sustained by:
  • An overcentralized government (Imperial Manila)
  • A rigged economic system that favors elites and dynasties
  • A Constitution that blocks real economic opportunity and regional growth
The 1987 Constitution, despite good intentions, has structurally locked millions into poverty through:

  • Investment restrictions that choke job creation
  • Political structures that protect dynasties
  • Over-dependence on national government “ayuda” (assistance) during elections
If we want to stop vote-selling, we must correct the system—not just scold the victims.

System Change = Economic Empowerment = Electoral Integrity
  • Imagine a Philippines where:
  • Every region has thriving industries
  • Every family has access to decent work
  • Basic needs are not political favors but fundamental rights
  • Politicians fear the voters, not the other way around
In such a Philippines, handing out P500 during elections would be useless.
People wouldn’t need to "sell" their votes because they wouldn't need rescuing.

They would vote based on principles, not survival.

Constitutional Reform: The First Step to Real Change

Our advocacy for constitutional reform is not about extending terms or power grabs.
It’s about finally fixing the structural flaws that keep millions of Filipinos vulnerable—and easy targets for corrupt politicians.

Reforming the Constitution means
  • Opening the economy for more investments and jobs
  • Decentralizing governance so provinces can develop faster
  • Strengthening political parties to focus on platforms, not personalities
  • Empowering citizens economically so that their votes are truly their own
It is because true democracy doesn’t exist where people are forced to sell their choices for survival.

Final Thoughts: Let's Be Real About Change

If we want free and fair elections,
If we want politicians to serve instead of exploit,
If we want a nation where dignity trumps desperation—
Then we must stop treating symptoms—and start healing the disease.

Vote-buying will end only when poverty ends. And poverty will end only when we #CorrectTheConstitution.

Thursday, May 01, 2025

Turning strangers and even friends away

How to Lose Friends and Repel People: Common Behaviors That Turn Strangers Away


Meeting new people is an essential part of life. Whether it's networking, making friends, or building relationships, first impressions matter. Unfortunately, some behaviors can instantly turn people off—especially strangers. In this blog, we’ll explore the many ways to alienate strangers and how to avoid these pitfalls to foster better connections.


1. Asking for Money Immediately


Nothing screams "red flag" like approaching someone you barely know and asking for financial help. Money is a sensitive subject, even among close friends, so springing this request on a stranger is a surefire way to make them feel uncomfortable and guarded.

Better approach: Try to gain their trust first and establish rapport. If you really need them to assist you, then you can be honest and present an offer for a trade or favor after establishing trust.


2. Oversharing Personal Problems


While vulnerability can build intimacy, oversharing personal issues with someone you’ve just met can be overwhelming. Strangers aren’t equipped to handle your emotional baggage, and they may feel awkward or trapped in the conversation.

Better approach: Share light and engaging topics initially. Once a bond is formed, gradually open up—but gauge their comfort level before diving deep.


3. Being Overly Familiar


Using nicknames, touching, or being overly friendly with someone you just met can be perceived as insincere or invasive. Strangers need time to warm up to you before accepting such familiarity.

Better approach: Respect personal space and boundaries. A warm smile and polite conversation are better ways to start.


4. Talking Only About Yourself


Speaking much, and showing little interest in the other person, will make you appear self-centered. Strangers may leave with a feeling of not being heard or important.

Better approach: Practice active listening. Ask questions on their interests and opinions, and this will make the conversation two-way.


5. Criticizing or Judging Too Quickly


Making derogatory remarks about their appearance, lifestyle, or opinions can make strangers shun you right away. Nobody likes to be judged, especially by someone he or she doesn't know well.

Best alternative: Keep your conversations positive and non-judgmental. If you don't agree, voice your opinion but do so respectfully without attacking theirs.


6. Interrupting or Talking Over Them


Cutting someone off mid-sentence or dominating the discussion is a quick way to frustrate or alienate a new acquaintance. It signals that you’re more interested in your own voice than theirs.

Better approach: Wait for your turn to speak, and acknowledge what they’ve said before responding. This shows respect and attentiveness.


7. Ignoring Social Cues


Not getting even subtle hints, such as crossing arms, looking away, or giving short answers can make conversations uncomfortable. Strangers may feel forced or frustrated when you do not take their signs of discomfort seriously.

Better approach: Observe him carefully. If he acts otherwise or is really uncomfortable, change your style or tactfully end the conversation.


8. Being Pushy or Aggressive


Whether it is the selling to them, forcing one's opinion on them, or trying to get them on your side through pressure, pushiness can be a turn-off major.

Better approach: Be courteous and respect others' will. Discussions have to be mutual; thus, dominating is a total no.


9. Constant Complaining


Nobody wants to waste their time with a negative person. Strangers especially are not going to stick around if you're perceived as a chronic complainer.

Better approach: Keep the tone light-hearted and positive. If you need to vent, do so to close friends or trustworthy people.


10. Asking Too Many Personal Questions


Interrogating someone about their salary, relationship status, or other private matters right off the bat is invasive and can make them feel uncomfortable.


Better approach: Stick to neutral topics like hobbies, interests, or shared experiences. Let deeper topics emerge naturally over time.


Conclusion

In an instant, strangers can be turned off without us even realizing it. We can create more positive and meaningful connections by being mindful of our actions and words. Be authentic, respect boundaries, and make sure you are listening more than you dominate the conversation.

Remember that building relationships is a marathon, not a sprint. Take your time, be genuine, and let trust develop naturally. The rewards of meaningful interactions far outweigh the fleeting satisfaction of an awkward, self-serving exchange.

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