[Philippines] Social problems seen to fester due to poverty

from The Manilla Times

By Maricel V. Cruz, Reporter

Even with a new Constitution or amendments to the present one introduced, President Arroyo or whoever ends up the ruler of the land will still be confronted with social unrest and mass dissatisfaction because these crises will not disappear until the government solves the basic problems of society, Rep. Hermilando I. Mandanas of Batangas told editors and reporters of The Manila Times at a recent roundtable.

He said the administration must effectively deal with widespread poverty before it can enjoy stability and be spared the threat of unrest breaking out.

It must also address the widening gap between the rich and the poor.

So many Filipinos cannot find jobs, Mandanas said. Those who have jobs, including the 8 million who are employed abroad, are the lucky ones. Millions more are unemployed or underemployed.

The people tend to blame the government for their social and economic condition.

Whenever there is evidence of venality—“rampant graft and corruption,” Mandanas said hesitantly—the poor get even more disgusted with the administration.

Various groups, including opposition politicians, will of course use these elements to show that the Arroyo administration has not done enough. And they will continue to fan the flames of doubt about its legitimacy.

Senators and congressmen will have these scandals investigated in their committees and the media will broadcast the investigations, Mandanas said. These will deepen the feeling of discontent even among the military.

Asked if he really wanted to have the President removed through impeachment because he voted with the opposition congressmen against dismissing the charges, Mandanas replied, “I always want the rule of law, the rules, to prevail. I urged my colleagues that they should let the committee pass the charges and allow these to be aired. Killing the charges only frustrates the opposition and the people, who want to know the truth.”

He added, “If the charges were aired and the President gave adequate replies, then when the majority in the plenary decide to find her replies satisfactory and to drop the impeachment discontent would dissipate.”