Systemic Inequality Persists in the Philippines
Christianity is a religion of love and justice, yet inequality defines social life in the Philippines, the only Christian country in this part of the world. There is unequal access to basic services between the many poor and the few rich. Rural populations have less access to jobs, health care, education, and housing compared to urban dwellers. Even within urban areas, housing access is skewed between the wealthy minority and the impoverished majority. Food and other necessities are more expensive in rural areas because middlemen transport them to cities first before returning them to their place of origin for sale. Ordinary workers do not receive a living wage.
Colonial Roots of Modern Disparity
The inequality pervading every aspect of Filipino life today began with Spanish colonizers. They used coercive power from superior technology and weaponry to take ownership of land and force subjection. Political dynasties, inheritors of that power, have employed the same coercive tactics to maintain control, treating citizens as submissive subjects rather than free-thinking equals. According to the analysis, the Philippines remains a colonized nation—now by a group of its own people.
Corruption and the Role of Religion
This history explains why the Philippines is both the only Christian country in Asia and among the most corrupt and poorest. On an individual level, some colonizers may have had noble motives, but institutionally, the subconscious sociological motive of preaching religion is to make people accept subjection by a rich and powerful few. Many lives are at the mercy of powerful, corrupt, and selfish politicians. Religion provides comfort and hope, but church-going rulers offer only ayuda (cash gifts) rather than systemic change. Instead of shifting governance paradigms or reorienting institutions toward the common good, political dynasties force the majority to be displaced by development benefiting a few businesses. Catholicism, the majority religion, continues to act as a pacifier rather than a liberator for those pushed to the margins of social life.
From Oligarchy to Kleptocracy
Brute power—not the Constitution nor human or Christian principles of love and justice—rules the country. Ongoing negative events indicate a shift from oligarchy (rule by a few) to kleptocracy (rule by thieves). The ruling elite refuse accountability and are determined to govern selfishly and corruptly as they always have. The choice is to allow this or insist they work for the common good. The alternative requires the power of organized unity, such as a people's party, to counteract the coercive power of political dynasties. Filipinos must liberate themselves from a colonial mindset that fosters meek submission to those in power. Replacement colonizers will continue to use power in their favor unless citizens think independently and move together toward the top. As the columnist previously stated, change must come from the bottom up.
