In recent years, I am hearing some rumblings in the Philippine society, and these are rumblings that I believe may bring about some changes in the Country.
A lot of Filipinos seem to be getting very tired of corruption in the Government, and in society in general. I generally see and hear these rumblings among two specific groups of Filipinos:
- Filipinos who still live in the Philippines: Generally, this group has given up, and they want to get out of the country to avoid this corruption, basically putting it behind them.
- Filipinos who already live overseas: This group is often thinking of moving back to the Philippines, but they are concerned about the corruption here, and it makes them reluctant to return.
Just the other day, I saw a letter to the Editor in the Philippine Daily Inquirer. This letter was from a Filipino who is living in the USA, yet dreaming of retiring in the Philippines. He is hesitant because of the problem of corruption in the country. Can you imagine feeling reluctant to return home, due to corruption? It would, it seems to me, make you feel like a refugee who cannot go home. I feel badly for these people.
With so many people becoming so concerned about this that they might bond together, stand up and do something to change the way things work here? I feel that we might we headed in that direction. I will say this, though, Filipinos in general are very accepting of things. They are willing to accept things (good and bad), and if the things they are accepting of are bad, they don’t complain much. Because of this, I believe that change will not really happen until this Filipinos who have been living overseas take some action. These Filipinos who have spent time in other countries, and have come to the point where they don’t blindly accept things that are not as they should be, will be the first to bring their countrymen together and start making changes.
Let me just add this – I know that corruption happens in every country. It is rampant in the Philippines, though, and that is what I am writing about.
Hi Bob-Corruption was rampant in Nigeria and not once did I give into the demands of this cancer.I would rather wait out the time and when they got fed up looking at me read my book they would eventually give in.I would rather give a million pounds for a job well done than a penny for a bribe.If the public stopped giving up front there would be no more corruption.Also if people abided by the law and not take shortcuts then there would be no need to bribe anyone.Bribery starts small and ends up big and all it does is impact on the economy by pushing up prices as there is no such thing as a free lunch.
Regards.
Jim.
Morning Bob,
How can something truly meaningful be done when it is so entrenched? Very difficult for the movement to be effective from the lower levels?Does anyone know of a country where corruption of this magnitute has been overcome?? As a westerner of course it is quite scary because you may be the target from time to time but at least you can buy yourself out of a situation should it arise?
It is comforting to know that if you really have to, bribery is still an option. I would feel uncomfortable with eliminating it all together. I mean options are options after all. Just kidding! The news is full of people complaining about people cheating in all levels of business and government. My mom always told me if your not cheating your not trying! He he he.
Hi jim – Your experiences with corruption could probably go a long way toward teaching folks here a lesson on how to deal with it!
Hi AussieLee – I think that the lower levels of society can be the most effective in fighting corruption. The lower levels (or the Masa) have such great numbers that if they decide to stop accepting corrupt practices, they could have a huge impact on society. Just my opinion.
Bob… I must say that your recent articles have been particularly thought-provoking, and, judging by the comments, well received by your readers.
You really hit the nail on the head regarding the lack of development here. Eliminating corruption is the one thing that has the potential to lift this country up out of the doldrums. Unfortunately, it is so ingrained and deep here that the task of eliminating it is almost insurmountable. In earlier posts, I mentioned how difficult it has been for Rebecca to adjust to living here again, and the petty bribes, etc. have been a big part of the problem. She has confided in me that it makes her ashamed that fellow Filipinos will try to take advantage of her and others because of the perception that she has money. Think about that for a second… It is an awful feeling to be ashamed of your fellow countrymen. When we were in Abu Dhabi, she refused to watch the news on TFC because it would make her angry. In a one-hour broadcast, the first 45 minutes were taken up by various scandals, murders, and so on. Yet, one of the reasons we returned here was because of her loyalty to her family… She wanted to start the business, regardless of these problems. If she gives jobs to others in town, all the more reason to do it. However, we have had to pay a substantial amount of money here in "gratuities" because from the moment she arrived in the province with her fiance, she becomes a source of income. These payments were not "officially" necessary, but if we wanted to get things done…. The problem becomes one of "Where does it end?" and "How much next time?". I can't help but also think of poor Klaus' unfortunate situation… resulting from cronyism and, I'm sure, monies changing hands behind the scenes. I feel great sadness when seeing the condition of the common man here in a land truly blessed with such wonderful resources. There really is no excuse for the waste and selfishness to occur…The question becomes one of how much longer can things continue? One thing that I have noticed traipsing around the world is that when people do not have enough to eat, and lose all hope, that is when violence and instability occur. I don't think that the average Filipino has lost hope, yet, but things must change or people will finally say "enough"… Then the real problems begin.
Hi John – Your Mom was a smart woman! 😆
kamusta bob
i would have to say that the good old usa is not so squeky clean as some might think.although philippines has alot more and is absolutly a different place.no matter where u are if u have money it is certainly a way to get off easy.i know its a problem at all levels there.come on now a policeman making 3 to 5 dollars a day.that will be lucky to feed a family of 2 let alone a family of 5 or more.but the law is the law and not for individual interpitation.that even happens here in the us and im sure alot of other places as well.sorry to wander off topic here.
salamat bob
Hi John Miele – Good thoughts there too. I feel that blatant corruption is not as bad as it was 15 or 20 years ago, but it is still too bad. Things may be changing, but slowly. Regarding the total loss of hope, that is something that has been on my mind. I agree, we are not there yet, but we are headed down that path, and when it happens, there could be some real chaos in the country. Hungry people do rash things.
Hi Ron W – The types of corruption that I am talking about don't happen in the USA. Yes, there is corruption in the USA and every other place in the world, but not at this level.
I think for most here in America, it is basically hard to believe that corruption happens. We are suppose to have laws the guide this and that and laws to protect etc. I have to say since I've watched and been around government and political venues pretty much all my life (I'm not that old though) I have to say we have some pretty bad corruption here in the old U.S. of A. I think here it's overlooked by many who are to busy trying to stay ahead of the "game", so to say. But as we all know most political parties here, as they are most everywhere else, are self serving in their own right. It's amazing what comes out of the 'wood works' around here and you can only imagine what's not coming out of the woods works on a daily basis. I've watch, listen and learned and I can tell you I've had about enough of this countries bull and the affects it spews on it's common people. Corruption flows like the waters and the wind, I suppose it's how much you get wet and how hard the wind is blowing before you can understand what's going on behind your back. We just had a bunch of elected officials voted out of office here because of their corrupt ways. Unfortunately they just cost the county here about 17 million dollars (that's just so far) on one project they were involved in. I'm sure after the smoke clears on this whole issue, this bunch of theives will have cost one little county in one little state about 25 to 35 million dollars, all to be paid by the common working man here. Don't think the apple falls to far from the tree and if I'm not mistaken your president there just visited George himself and our branches may be heard flapping in the 'wind' over there sometimes very soon.
Hi Bob, I just don't understand the philippines yet. I have met all kinds of people on samar from very rich to very poor and they have almost all been good to me when I visit and respectful also. I guess some do try to take advantage of the other when they know the other needs something that they are selling pretty bad .They seem to want to score a few extra pesos when they get the chance like a drivers license for instance. They say "I can get you it much quicker if you pay extra on the side" then they don't deliver anything but that was in manila. Salamat Bob!
Bob
I had a little fun with my first experience with corruption in the RP. I had read about this on the internet that if you wanted your marriage license to be processed in the RP you would need to give a secretary in the office around a $100 or your papers would be lost. So when filing our marriage license the secretary informed me she would make sure our papers were filed for the small fee of 6000 peso I was not surprised. The secretary told me to bring the money to her desk in an envelope and she would handle our papers. So my wife and I went to get the money and the envelope and we returned to the desk of the secretary requesting the money. Since the secretary had acted like this was all legal and she was just helping us with the processing of our marriage license I took the money out of the envelope and started counting the money in front of everyone in the office. The eyes of the secretary got very big 😯 while she grabbed the money and the envelope away from me. While grabbing the money she was saying “NO NEED TO COUNT, I TRUST YOU”. 😆
While I joke about the corruption the RP it is very sad to see a country that was once the Lion of Asia being reduced to a country were many children go to bed hungry.
Hi Tim Walker – I agree that there is corruption in the USA (I did say that in my article too). However, what you are talking about and what I am talking about are not the same. Last time you went to the airport, did the TSA demand $100 from you, or you would be detained? When you needed a permit to build your house, did they refuse to give it to you unless you paid $1,000? I just don't believe these blatant acts occur in the States. I know that they never happened to me.
Hi John – On the driver's license example, I believe that you are talking about "fixers" – people who will go through the whole process for you, for a fee. I don't really consider that corruption, rather just somebody willing to do the process for you, and you pay them. If it was an official of the LTO, though, then that is corruption in my book.
Hi Larry – Ha ha… that's a good story about the office secretary! I enjoyed hearing that one. 😆
Ya Larry, that's how it goes there . Maybe they can get the lion back someday somehow. I hope!
Hi Bob: A lot of cruisers refuse to come to the Philippines because of the "Special Services Fee" demanded by some Port authorities. It seems like each port is different – from no fees (like Davao) to horrendous fees like Subic (I was told). In all the Pacific countries we've been to, only Tonga authorities blatantly asked for items in our boat. We haven't encountered that here in Davao, but other parts of the Philippines are well-known for it. If you don't pay, you don't get the necessary entry or exit papers. So what can you do?
This is sad because I've seen how much the cruising community contribute to the economy of the city/island/village. Some goes as far as deliver merchandise, aid and donations to remote villages. And Philippines have over 7,000 beautiful islands to explore …
Hi Ellen – Indeed, corruption tends to empty a nation's coffers, while only enriching the perpetrator of the act. I have been asked for things many times – here in Davao and also in other parts of the Philippines. Usually not money, but if they see something I have that they want, they will ask for it. I tend to not give it, though! 😆
Hi Bob,
I think the Philippines is in a Catch 22 situation in regards to corruption. From reading all the comments written here, it is going to take one hell of a big miracle to get rid of corruption there.
Education the young in the schools would be a way to go, the trouble with that is it needs to be implamented Philippine government and since the government is corrupt, you are more than likely to see pink elephants fly first.
Government needs to clean its own act up first before anybody will listen to them. There are many ways you could do this and setting standards that all politicians have to abide by law.
Here is a sample list of possible ways of reducing corruption in government.
1. Better pay and conditions
2. Must give any business he or she has.
3. Not be on any company board.
4. Declare all assets and shares.
5. Declare any money recieved for election purposes.
6. Must not have a portfolio simular to his prior business interests before becoming a politician
7. Good education.
8. Needs to be clean, meaning no gambling or drinking habits, or leaves a trail of broken hearted women in his wake.
9. Not allowed to accept gifts or money while in government by business or individuals.
10. Automatic dismissal if court breaking goverment laws,lose of government pension or lump sum payout once proven.
The thing is when you have a corrupt government its credibility with other governments is not very high.
I remember when a certain Philippine president who was a former actor made the Philippines look like a laughing stock to everybody else.
The trouble is when you have such a high poverty rate you will never get the standard of politician the country needs and nore will it get rid of its corruption.
Steven
Bob,
As already said, how do you stop corruption when it is in every level from the highest to the lowest level.
A fixer I know at LTO was upset how TMC will ask for money instead of giving a ticket. This is from someone who will get a license in a 2 hours for a fee.
As stated also most Filipinos are just used to it and think of it as part of living here.
Even look at the express fee at Immigration, it is now part of the fee for all, express service or not.
It is a shame but as the old US saying "How do you fight City Hall"
Hi Steven – You have a good list there for starting an anti-corruption campaign! And, getting rid of the corruption is a very tough act!
Hi Bruce – I was thinking of that Immigration "Express Fee" just a while ago. That is almost institutionalized corruption, isn't it? Just another example!
Yes, Bob. Our community try to follow a rule: Don't give as this will set a precedent for other cruisers following your wake. Anyway, one cruiser did ask what the "special services fee" is for and the Port authority said "it is for not going into your boat to check". So the cruiser said -" you want me to pay you for not doing your work?" 😆
Out of topic here, but there is another tip we got from a fellow cruiser: Follow the 3 day rule in the Philippines – means that, the first day you anchor, locals find out you are there. Day 2, they case you out. Day 3, they rob you. So you move on Day 3. Well, we are here for 7 months now, we haven't moved yet – haha. It is quite safe here on Samal.
Hi Bob – Am saddened by all of this, and skeptically think the most that might happen is an "EDSA – (fill in the number)" with new faces but S.O.S. 🙁
Hi Bob,Hopefully one day the Gov't will realise that rampant corruption is holding back the economy.If they really have the ambition to become a Global Economy then they must take measures to stamp the majority of it out.They could have a booming tourist economy if they made the country more tourist friendly instead of inflating prices every time they see a white face,and their hotel prices are some of the highest in Asia compared with similar Asian economies like Thailand for example,regards Chas.
Hi Ellen – I didn't know about the rule of the cruising community, but it is a wise rule. Yes, I don't think you will have problems of being robbed on Samal. First, I think that Samal is quite safe. Secondly, the location where you have set anchor is very secure, even by Samal standards! 😆
Hi chas – What you say, particularly about the hotel prices and other such tourism prices is very true. It is something that the Philippines needs to look at, and something that we have discussed here many times! 🙂
Hi chas – If you look at events in recent years, I think that Filipinos have tired of EDSA and People Power in general. How many times have they tried to topple President Arroyo in this way, but so far they were unable to garner the kinds of crowds needed to succeed, nothing even close. I believe that one of the reasons for this is because they see no changes in the government – other than the faces in control. One day the people are going to get angry about this and make real change happen, in my opinion.
Hi Bob,You could be right,change is certainly needed,but sacrifices will probably have to be made,revolution is not easy,but it could go that way, especially if the economy does not improve for the masses,remember how the Marcus era ended regards Chas.
Hi chas – I think that in this whole scenario, the ending of the Marcos era could be just a spot on the landscape compared to what may come someday.
Hi Bob
When you mentioned that OFWs might be a source of change because of their experiences in more developed countries and they see how things work much better. I believe that is true but it is also a source of of more willingness to not confront corruption. The reason why I say this is also what you said. Most Filipinos want to leave for a better life, so instead of demanding better government, they first seek a life abroad with a better job. Since these OFWs support so many back in the Philippines, the people here are not as dependent on having a good government, which I think also happens in Mexico. They relieve some of the poverty and so reduces possible unrest.
When you look at EDSA 1 and 2 they had a combination. In EDSA 1 the military was supported by the people and EDSA 2 was the opposite. A little told story about EDSA 2. A uncle of one my customer was a general in the marines. Last name Espinosa. He use to command the Southern forces but was removed for corruption and was given a much lesser command near Manila. That was a fatal mistake for Estrada. During the huge protests he was going to bring into Manila, Samba tanks to support the protesters. Since defense chief Mercado and Chief of Staff Reyes could not stop him, it forced them to become neutral and eventually withdraw support. Without this EDSA 2 most likely would have failed.
A German opened up a restaurant in Greenbelt 2 who has lived in the Philippines for the last 30 years. The Makati Firemen came by and said you need to pay us 75k for us to approve the license. He said no. They came back the following week only asking for 50k. He then said I am personal friends with the fire chief, so if you come back again I will have you all fired. This put an end to that particular corruption.
In the end Bob I hope you are right, that hopefully soon people will get so fustrated that they will demand better government, but I am not hopeful that it will happen in the next few years. Just look at the case of GSIS and Meralco and the bribing of the Judge hearing the case.
Hi Neil – Your story about the German in Makati struck a chord with me. Back in 2000, in GenSan, I opened an Internet Cafe. A few days after opening, a few officials from the Mayor's office stopped by and made it clear that I needed to grease their palms. I pulled out my cellphone, and made a phone call to the Mayor of GenSan, who was a personal friend. I handed the phone to these officials and asked them to talk to the Mayor, and they could work out how much I owed. As you can imagine, I never saw these guys again.
Chas
The Marcus era never did end. Even though he is dead you still have relatives and friends of his in power.
What an example for the masses when you have President Arroyo after years and millions of peso's in expense's pardoning Erap for plunder what message does this send out to thier countrymen and world???
Lead by example…..one hellava example !!
That was the day my(filipina) wife called me and told me she was applying to become a US citizen…she was that much disgusted !!
PS she took the oath for USA citizenship last week. !!
Chas true sad thing is you can trace alot of the current political family names all the way back to when they were given favoritism by the jesuit priest in the late 1700's.
Hi Larry – Some of his people are still in power – however, I don't think you could even begin to argue that they still wield the kind of power that they had some 25 to 40 years ago.
Hi brian – I total agree with you and your wife regarding the pardon! Now, though, I am happy – at least something good came out of the whole thing (your wife's citizenship!). 😆
Hello Bob- It will take divine intervention to rid the Philippines of this dreaded disease, as it has become fully institutionalised and the the roots go far and deep, but I have my hopes.The public will not care about publicizing and punishing corrupt acts unless broadly shared norms treat corruption as unnatural and antaganonistic to basic democratic values.
Any fundamental shifts to minimize the corrosive effects of corruption is encouraging.An economy undermined by corruption has the effect of discouraging potential foreign investors and public donors.Success attracts money,and chaos drives it away.Well,its worth a try huh?
Hi Julius – Wow, you have some powerful words there, and unfortunately, all too true. I hope that corruption could be eliminated, but you have to wonder, can it happen within our lifetimes? Unfortunately, it is doubtful.
Hi Bob
Corruption is not so available in my subdivision in Laguna. We were having a wall built behind our house and we wanted it a little taller than allowed. Try as we might we couldn't "persuade" the subdivision engineer to approve a taller wall. It may be a start but maybe there is a good thing about the new subdivisions.
Hi Dan Mihaliak – Indeed, that's a good thing! I'm glad that he held his ground and wouldn't accept any incentive to budge! 😆
I think I mis-understood the idea of your editorial then Bob. I have to say that we do not experience this much in common day life here at that level. Here if someone demands that your probably already involved in something that is not level to any law etc. I do know that happens from time to time but again that's usually someone who is trying to bend the law or trying over ride it so to say. I've never been asked about the money at the airport etc. but that sounds a little horrifying in itself. I do have to say though that my trip there in June I made sure someone I knew was either with me or near me to pick me up at the airport etc. etc. so I'm unsure if this was the reason I "got away" this time 😉 . Well I will say this, I'm coming to stay in Davao and am leaving America here on August 20th. I will be in Manila for a few day and should arrive there on or about the 25th or so. I'm staying till March, so maybe I'll find out how to get "snookered" as the Amish may say here in Pa…………Tim
Hi Tim Walker – I didn't realize that you were soon to depart for Davao! Look me up when you are here, I'd enjoy meeting you. Don't worry, such demands for payments and such don't happen all the time, but they are also not unexpected when they do.
Hi Spencer – So, you are saying that you don’t think you have to pay to get things done in the Catholic Church? Read between the lines, I won’t comment further on this.
I've already spoken of you to many here in America. I have also spoken with the girl I will stay with there about you as well and have introduced her to your posts too. Can't wait to get there and hopefully after my 6 or 7 month stay I'll be comin' back for more……….will look you up when I'm there, thanks for the invite………….TIM
My statement “The Church has it’s own set of problems regarding curruption, but they pale in comparison to having to pay someone at every turn to get a great many things done.” indicates I don’t suffer from any degree of naivete` regarding The Church. But, I do agree – this isn’t about The Church.
Unending fuel for this topic, but I think the gist has been well covered. Thanks, Bob !
😉
Hi Tim Walker – I'm looking forward to meeting you! Don't be shy when you get here! 😆
I should write an article here about my first hand account of what corruption is at the local level. We donated four modern school buildings totaling about P14 million pesos back in 2006. Bottom line is I had to set aside money to pay people to keep an eye on people from stealing/cheating. Here are some sad examples:
1. School officials placed all kinds of obstacles to prevent us from building until I realized that they wanted their hands greased. Things like they needed 2 weeks to review a 4 page blue print and they wanted us to change the design. And they were not even going to chip in any money. We did it our way.
2. Bought 1/4 inch angle bars in Manila. Shipped to the province and what arrived is 1/8 inch think angle bars. Ouch! Turns out our purchaser and the supplier were in cahoots. Purchaser pays for the expensive variety but pays for the lower variety and pockets the difference. Paperwork will say thicker variety.
3. Agreed to purchase cinder blocks at 30 blocks per sack of cement. They were delivering blocks that were falling apart because they changed the ratio to 50 blocks per sack of cement.
4. Shipped hundreds of gallons of paint from the US and workers substituted local brands and sold off paint from the US
5. Started with aggregates costing P350 per cubic meter. Local officials wanted to raise to P400 but could not explain where the money will go. We did not pay
6. Foreman purposely slowed down the work to keep folks employed longer. We fired them all and replaced them with new workers.
7. Used the thinnest material for aluminum strips for windows when we paid for thicker variety. We're stuck and we're fixing the windows now.
8. One foreman was charging his personal expenses to the project and could not ever explain to us why.
9. Used inferior wood for the classroom doors (soft wood and still wet wood was used). We're in the process of replacing.
10. Another scam was someone wanting to help and took our purchase order to the supplier. Told supplier that he'll give them the business if the supplier gives him a 20% kickback. We found out because we knew the supplier and told us of this scam. We quickly got rid of this person.
Sickening. The very people that we were trying to help by keeping them employed and giving them new school buildings were trying to cheat us! Even the local and school officials were in on it too!
Hi Aldel – Your story about what happened to you angers me. Frankly, my blood is boiling after reading this. And, the truth is that I have heard similar stories, but still I am angered. I know some people who collected a lot (I mean a LOT) of textbooks and donated them to schools in the Philippines. The books filled a 40 foot shipping container. When the container arrived, it was put aside, and held by customs officials because they wanted money to put into their own wallets in return for releasing the books.
Very sad.
Hi Bob,
As you might still remember, we are buying a house near Dumaguete, and hope some day to pack up our stuff here and move there. I've been tot RP 6 times now and until now I've not been confronted with corruption ; at least that's what's my impression. But I'm knocking on wood. But of course when I hear the grapevine, it scears me lot, and sometimes I'm thinking, I must be a fool to be wanting to move over there. Even wondering if it was the rigth thing to buy a house there. But then again, I've also heard 'white' people who have been living in RP for some years now, and are very happy there …. still I'm confused !!
Hi Ronny Dehens – Are you really certain that you haven't seen corruption during your visits here? I can't imagine being able to come here 6 times and not be approached for a payoff of some kind. Do you think that perhaps you've been shielded from it by family? All I can say is that it's great if you have avoided it.
I don't consider corruption as a reason not to live here. I just avoid such situations as much as I can.
I have a love/hate relationship with my own country. I was born "into it" and so I cannot emotionally abandon it. Like perhaps a cantankerous aging parent who is my own, I embrace it, warts and all. But when it gets to be too much, I'm thankful that I have a safe cocoon on another part of the world where I can regain a sense of sanity.
Like Aldel, I have done my share of Philippine projects, though of a different nature. My experiences have been eye-opening, mind boggling. And though I'm aware of the terrain, I wasn't prepared to deal with the "beast" (corruption) at its finest. I guess I've been away too long or left too early before I even really learned the ways of RP.
In America there are laws for the battered and the abused. What does one call abuse at the hands of your own fellow Filipinos? What do you call it? Country abuse?
So grieve not, expats. For it isn't only the "white face" (as one of the posters termed it) that sets the wheels in motion. Brown gets it, too. So if it pains you, how much more painful does it get for a Filipino to get it from a fellow Filipino? The pain is numbing and unreal…
It isn't the color of the "skin", it isn't a matter of being "white" or being a foreigner. (I'm not racist, I'm just borrowing a term used in one of the posts). It is perceived opportunity.
Corruption is there. It is endemic. It is the biggest wart. It permeates everything, it knows no boundaries, it is in every crevice. It is the underbelly of the culture. To get rid of it means you have to amputate my parent. And from where? The neck down? LOL. I don't know if that's the answer.
But I don't have any answer either. So for now I live and watch from a distance while I pine for the redemption of my country.
-a Filipina reader
Hi ecstasy – Nice to hear from you today. I can hear your voice crying out against corruption by reading what you had to say. I believe you that corruption is not necessariy race based, and happens to people of all colors, all nationalities. Alone, none of us can do anything, but as more and more people join forces, small folks like us can make changes.
Bob, If Im a bit off today forgive me Im still recovering from the Parrot Head Party.
This post is not good for promoting LIP. from your comparasons of TSA payoff here in US, and building permit payoffs. You are painting a pretty bleak picture here.
Do you think people there in RP just accept the corruption and such because they know life is cheap there and if they push back against the corruption they may suffer by retaliation death etc.
Not to sound paranoid but $100 dollar bill given to the right Estandby type of poverty stricken person would probably go along way to get someones legs busted or stuck with a knife there.
If you are inclined to check out" harry the horse" for acts of violence committed on foreigners commited in the Angeles area, (I know its a seedy area for comparason)
Hi Bob
Reading the above just reminded me of an incident that happened to me in Manila airport not long ago.
I was leaving for the Middle East on an after midnight flight and I had forgot about the tax to pay when departing. All I had on me at this stage was middle east currency so I had to go back to the bank which was very close by to get change. They informed me there that they do not accept the currencies which I had (UAE Dirhams and Kuwaiti Dinars) but if I went to the policemen near the stairs he would change it for me. Now all banks accept this currency, I know for a fact. I could not believe this but had not enough time to argue further, I could see I wasn't getting anywhere and I was already late. So of course the policeman (or maybe he was security I cannot remember) changed it for me at some stupid conversion rate that he would not negotiate. It was obvious he was prepared with the amount of cash he had.
So beware, if you come back out of emigration and go direct to that bank just outside, it may be that you are being watched for the same reason.
Jack
Hi Neal In RI – I am not sure that corruption has to do with the cheap value of a life here. I think it is more just the way things work here. People were born into corruption, and this that is just how it is. Why would you try to change something that has been the same all your life?
That's just how I see it.
Hi Jack – fascinating, Jack. Simply fascinating. It really sounds like it is all set up, just waiting for you.
Bob
Or is corruption there in RP a good thing?
If you have enough money to pay these influential people kickbacks and payoffs you can surely get things to go your way alot easier.
I guess its just another way to look at it.
Hi Neal In RI – Sorry, my friend… I don't think corruption is ever a good thing.
Hi Bob,
Thanks for your reply … Of course it happened that I felt or was pretty sure that I had to pay a bit more because of my white skin … and maybe it's because until now most of my time spent in RP was on Siquijor, being a small – and beautiful – island, corruption there is not so rampant !!! Most of the people are nice to me, and when I buy something and later my wife asks me what I paid for it, she will tell me, you paid the right amount. I don't know ….. maybe I'm just naïf or buta (blind) …or plain lucky … anyway I miss that small place and its people ….. a lot ..
best regards, ronny
Hi Ronny Dehens – I wasn't really talking about charging a higher price for foreigners so much, but government corruption.
I have found also that in regards to prices paid, the longer I live here, and vendors recognize me as a local resident, they don't try to overcharge too often. That's kind of a nice feeling!
Although not in the least surprised, I'm admittedly dissappointed at what I'm reading with regards to the level of corruption in the Philippines – and from the comments I'm reading from everyone, this seems to permeate society at almost all levels. My long term plan to retire in the Philippines at a relatively young age is nonetheless still intact. Insofar as the ability for society to rid itself, or at least diminish the level of corruption? This can only be done by education in the area of base ethics, and this process must start at a very young age. With the high number (& percentage) of Catholics in the country, one would think that the Church would speak out against such practices, and constantly remind their flock that corruption is a sin – one just as serious as telling lies, stealing, etc. I guess that's just wishful thinking on my part, and I'll simply have to deal with it upon my arrival.
Hi Spencer – For me, this is not something that would keep me from living here, so I think you are wise to keep your plans in tact. Regarding the Church…. well, I have thoughts on that, but I don't want to get overly controversial on this…. 😯
Overly controversial? I'd say that for anyone in the Philippines, there really isn't a great deal of controversy regarding corruption, and I'm also sure the populace understands enough about The Church to know that they are not infallable. Nothing is. The Church has it's own set of problems regarding curruption, but they pale in comparison to having to pay someone at every turn to get a great many things done. Some things are absolute: Corruption, at any level or degree, is inherently wrong, and I believe The Church should speak out against it on a frequent basis so as to remind the flock that engaging in the practice hurts them, their children, and their grandchildren. I believe that this, along with the aforementioned education of youngsters would go a long way in correction this pestilence and perhaps even avert an impending revolution at some point.
Hi Spencer – The part that says "they pale in comparison to having to pay someone at every turn to get a great many things done" is what I am talking about. I have experience where I did have to pay people at the Church to get things done there!
Thanks for your thoughts!
Corruption will never in my lfetime be eliminated in the PI, more of a worry is the escalating population growth, seen reports that by 2012 will reach 110 million, probably 160-170 mil by 2020, as the PI is a net importer of rice now and destroyed most of the fishing grounds with cyanide and dynamite, blind freddy can visulise the trouble to come, you haven't seen nothing yet.
Hi, Bob I understand your not wanting to get off subject by commenting to far on the Catholic Church; however, I believe that entire corruption issue began in the Philippines with the invasion of the Spanish/Catholic empire. Just like Mexico and other areas under the same previous influence. Here's an example I don't mind bringing up. I have a friend years ago(here in the states) that wanted a divorce so he went to the Catholic church and rather than deny him on a moral or spiritual basis, he was told it could be done for $2000. What can I say, the Filipino people were tutored by the best in corruption. Please don't read that as saying all there are corrupt.
Hi Ian – I fear that you are correct. 🙁
Hi Steve – I think that there is a lot of value to your theory about the Spanish bringing corruption to the Philippines and also to other places they colonized. My reluctance to get into the Church/Corruption thing is not a matter of not wanting to veer off topic, rather I didn't want to offend anybody in regards to their religion.
Wow this is so cool ..I have paid a lot of bribes so far but none real big yet { knock on 😀 wood } ..Oh this is a good story- listen …A friend of my wife went to get her passport after waiting behind 5 other people . The line was moving along nice , but when she got to the window she handed over her paper work and payment . the person behind the desk told her she needed 1700 pesos more . She told him she didn't have it so he told her to come back tomorrow with the money and he would give her her passport , so when she left being very upset over the whole thing she called one of her God-parents , the godparent being a Judge an chief -of- police . the next day her and her god-parent and a officer went back to the passport place and she got her pass[port and the person behind the window lost their job …The first 5 people in front of her all paid the extra 1700 pesos and left , like it was no big deal , just part of life in the pines … So why don't more people turn in the people charging the bribes .."food for thought" …hummmmmmmmmmm ….Phil R.
Hi Phil R. – Good story there. At the end of the story you asked a question – "why don't more people turn in the people charging the bribes?" Your answer is right in the story! Most people don't have a God Parent who is a Judge or Chief of Police! It's that simple! 😆
I am a Philippine resident,married to a Philippina for 23 years – my work takes me world wide and Nigeria is the only other country where I have found the all pervasive corruption which exists in the Philippines.Nigeria is one of the worlds major oil producers but the money generated makes A small section of society immensely rich while the rest live in abject poverty – Sounds familiar?
I have no solution to the problem – it is deeply engrained in Philippino society and has become the normal way of life.It will keep the country at a slower rate of development than its nieghbours and until a leader with some charisma with a sense of commitment to the future of the ordinary people of the country appears there will be no change.
For people such as myself with a good income it has little effect on me as the kickbacks which I have to pay are small but for the ordinary Juan De La Cruz they are a constant drain on his small resources.
At the moment I am recuperating from surgery in my other home in Scotland where my wife is a practice nurse but hope to be back in Manila soon For all its faults I spent the happiest years of my adult life in Manila between 1988 and 1992 – our children were born there and they are both dual UK/Philippne citizens.This letter is written with a mixture of sorrow, anger and frustration that little can be done to change things
If corruption could be reduced to 'normal' levels the Philippines would become an enviable place to live and perhaps the best would stay at home rather than leave for a better financial life.
Bryan G.
Hi Bryan Gallacher – Thanks for your honest words, and assessment. Being on par with Nigeria certainly is not a good place to be.
Hello Bob,the comparison with Nigeria is solely with regards to corruption – there are absolutely no other similarities!! I have been reading your articles for some time and this is the first time I have posted a comment – hopefully not the last,
Regards,Bryan G.
Hi Bryan Gallacher – I look forward to your future participation! Thanks for sharing your views in regards to corruption!
Thanks for this post, Bob.
Just yesterday, my husband and I made a decision to relocate in Manila as soon as we've tied up loose ends here.
It's saddening to realize anew how corrupt the Philippine government is. As early as now, I'm telling my Swiss husband to brace for what's ahead of us if our relocation plans don't miscarry. (Hope he can attend one of your seminars, if ever.)
Hi Jayred – I hope that we can meet you and your husband sometime in the future! It would certainly be nice to do so! Good luck with your move.
if i can step out of my overseas pinoy shoes for a moment:
the problem is that higher the income level the greater the level of apathy. just look at the tv news. the philippines is not lacking of street protests but many of the participants are by the lower income class.
in history, every filipino movement with some measure of success have succeeded because the middle class came on board.
the spanish era: the armed revolution (katipunan) was led by a working class andres bonifacio. but only when the "illustrados" (filipino elite – i.e. rizal) got involved did things start to turn their way.
with the US' help, the katipunan succeeded, led by an illustrado general, emilio aguinaldo (who interestingly, had bonifacio executed).
this is not an exact summary but it helps understand the philippine society, especially when added to the other turnarounds:
the 1986 people power – the marcos era ended only when influential upper income people decided it was no longer wise to back the dictator. the brutal martial law was enacted in 1972 – but the rich & upper middle class did not walk with the masses until 14 years later.
same goes with the unseating of estrada.
this is the one thing that annoys me about my culture. when important issues or just basic philippine history are discussed, many from the middle to upper class shy away or even take pride in their lack of knowledge in the topic. there is a sense of embarrassment about debating the issues.
the reaction is opposite when pop culture or hollywood is discussed.
the one other thing that impedes change is that wealth seems to be tied to some form of indebtedness to someone in politics. it's difficult for many to voice their own opinions when they are aware that their own future may be affected by loyalty to a person of influential power. either by "utang ng loob" or just piggybacking a skyrocketing politician.
Hi macky – Very interesting points there! Thanks for letting us view this through your eyes.