Why is the Philippines as a country not progressing as fast as other Asian countries?

Question

It was said that in the 1960's the Philippines was second to Japan. In the 70's Hong Kong & Taiwan, Singapore overtook the Philippines. Followed by Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, India in the 80's and in the late 90's Vietnam and some more. Now, it seems that war torn Cambodia will overtake the Philippines. I think the Philippine Citizens are intelligent, hardworking and loyal but it seems that for the past 40 years they have been lagging behind now. Corruption is just one aspect but it will not thrive if majority supports it or there are silent conspirators. What's up with the Philippines? It had all the opportunities to be great but look at it now. I have heard several times that her asian neighbors are laughing at the Philippines.

I have seen and heard in several CNN's interview with other Asian leaders citing the Philippines in a very negative way while enumerating their success stories.

Answer 1

I admit to that. I'm a Filipino, and I've been working for the past 10 years as a Telecom Engineer and had been assigned to different places around Southeast Asia, mostly in Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Taiwan, Hongkong, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia. I can easily compare the living conditions in these countries to that of the Philippines. Yes indeed, the economies of these countries are growing at an incredible rate. The Philippines on the other hand remains stagnant.

I can see that corruption in the Philippines is still the main reason, and the people's attitude to it. It is widespread and rampant, from the high positions in the government down to the lowest pedestrian in the street. Most people totally feel indifferent to corruption, as if it had been a normal and accepted way of life. For example, someone can easily bribe a traffic police officer after being caught in a traffic violation or bribe a government clerk to speed-up processing of ones personal documents. By willfully paying bribes to make things go easier, the ordinary Filipino condones or encourages corruption without being aware of it, or if he is aware, he thinks that it is OK to do so. In other countries, you cannot simply do like this. The police officer or government clerk involved will surely be stripped of his job and would get a lengthy prison term, and the same is true with the one who offered the bribe. The officials holding high positions in the Phillipine government also practice such kind of corruption, but on a grander scale and a bigger money involved.

Such is the extent of the political and moral sickness in the Philippines, and no wonder why the economy never improves. Unless every Filipino kicks-out this attitude on corruption, there's no chance for the Philippines to advance.

Answer 2

As a Filipino who lived in the 70's, I feel that this question is an eye-opener to all Filipinos. I have seen how other Asian countries progress at an alarming phase and still the Philippines stagnate or even stand still. Philippines will definitely progress but not at the rate of others countries with less resources. It seems that the way to progress should start in every individual Filipino citizen. JFK was right when he said, "Ask not what your country can do for you but what you can do for your country." For me I am changing and improving myself to better the country and economy. Starting simple by paying proper taxes. Totally shunning away from corruption of any sort (It's a Billion Dollar Industry here). Encourage others to do so. If I play a small part I do hope a lot will follow and together we can make a difference and see our country improve. I hope others will follow. Good question. I commend you! Cheers.

Answer 3

I am amazed at the question. I kinda laugh at it but makes me feel sad because it is true. After the war the Philippines has the potential to be an economic power in Asia, we never got to that. President Manuel L. Quezon who died from Tuberculosis said that, "I'd rather have this country run like hell by Filipinos rather than heaven by the Americans!" Is that what is happening? I hope not.Yes it is true we had sixty years to progress and what happened is that we are seeing every other other prospering and we are just being pushed at the back of the line. Politicians are proud that we are sending people abroad to work as domestic helper, nurses, contract workers, etc. Why is the Philippines not progressing, we are part to blame. We vote criminals & thieves in the government for them to be rich. They are even filing their candidacy even in jail. Why do we allow that? Are we that gullible and naive. Wake up Filipinos! Kill these corrupt people because they can never be reformed and they are infected with immorality up to their core! It is not too late.

Answer 4

Each country is a house. Each house must resolve itself. Being small and basically an island culture it makes things difficult if natural resources are not abundant. Too, the boom now bemoaned had much to do with being an ally of the U.S. during World War II. War economies are very deceiving as they are all, directly or indirectly, based on a type of plunder. Division, as you pointed out, corruption, these things drag any nation down. It is what the U.S. is. A people that must turn inwardly and take stock. As far as what goes on around them it's inconsequential. The people themselves must seek a kind of internal renewal. That can only come from one place and the people as one man must make that kind of an effort.

Answer 5

No, I don't think Philippines is lagging behind. They have been progressing well under the leadership of President Arroyo. President Arroyo has been putting in a lot of effort in developing the country as Philippines is a big country. I believe she has been facing many political issues such as critical mass etc. I respect Phillipinos and as Singaporean, I look forward to have Phillipinos as my good friends or even good business partners in future. Cheers my dear Phillipinos.