Bona fide text
Let's take a stand
Each one of us has something to say when we are asked to give an opinion to the current situation of our country. We have our own sentiments and aches on paying high electric bills, rice shortage, poor quality education, price increase of prime commodities and of course, the Philippines' system of government. What went wrong?
I compiled the views of our fellow Ilonggos on the question, "What are your expectations to the government and society?"
"For the longest time now our government has always been corrupt and it has never changed. In this modern age, people expect everything else would go with time. But it hasn't as far as the government goes. It is sad to know that it affects our day-to-day living. The government system hasn't improved; people's way of life hasn't improved either. So there isn't much to expect. If we do have expectations, it always becomes a frustration because nothing happens to it. We voice out an opinion, nobody listens to it. It falls on a deaf ear. You know why? Because from the top (government), they don't want to change their way of system because it will affect their immediate agenda--their self survival." - A Dentist
"We all create expectations for ourselves, others and the projects we undertake. Conventional expectations might include a financially and emotionally satisfying career, life long marriage, children who become professionals, a second home for the holidays, and a golden parachute to ease the twilight of our lives. These are expectations that seem to be universally accepted and promoted. The social activist is challenged because our expectations include some broadly, frequently ill defined. It is thus more difficult to establish realistic personal expectations without the support of society at large." -- An Engineer
"Although the government is trying to overcome the economic crisis that has been going through, it still remains hypocrite as ever. With dirty politics, as majority of the political leaders take advantage of the help from other countries. Leaders say, "We can do it," but on the other hand, when relief goods were shipped here, some they kept. It's not only PGMA to blame here, but also those ruffian leaders we have. Society cannot be called a society anymore. It's just only a name: without meaning, without essence, without justice, without peace." -- A Public School Teacher
"The price of the basic commodities is increasing and our income is barely enough to sustain the needs of our families and it very hard to survive each day, and also it is getting harder to send our kids to school with our meager income. I think the government must focus on the stability of economy rather than entertaining nonsense things. Our leaders in the government must stop political mockery and backbiting each other. Instead, they must help each other to strengthen our economy and help those who are in great need." -- A Driver
"In general, the individuals that compose the society and government are expected to follow certain principles. Every society and government follows the idea of a social contract to some extent, so every individual gives up certain rights and takes up certain responsibilities for the betterment of the society and for the common good. Likewise, our government plays an indispensable role in a healthy society but this does not mean that everything a society needs to be healthy is a government's responsibility. Our government expresses society's understanding of justice and enacts judgment in light of that understanding. Our government's task is to articulate the rights and duties of citizens and to protect us from threats." -- A Policeman
Sometimes, it is much easier to play deaf at the same time blind as to the problems that bombard us each passing day. Blaming who's at fault why these things are happening is not the answer in our quest for a better Philippines. We always look up to our government leaders to provide answers to most of our problems and needs. In return, we the citizens of this country must take our part in achieving a better, peaceful and healthy society. We are given rights; however each right has a corresponding responsibility. Let's take a stand; we will unite as one for a common good.