When the Philippines were colonized by mother Spain and later by the mighty America and of course by the invading Japanese of World War Two era, the Philippines had seen the coming of age of its identity. Too many heroes and patriots were born; all of them fought for freedom and independence. They called themselves as leaders, and as leaders they vowed to love their country and promised their brethren to defend them from any foreign transgression. Meek, subjugated, uneducated and gullible – to the extent of venerating their leaders – the Filipino people wholeheartedly supported their leaders without hesitation or opposition.
But after a long period of subjugation from foreign masters – the so called leaders who profess to defend their own people and their beloved country – gradually changed not for the betterment of the whole country but for their own selfish interests. Landlords and the landless were born; Serfdom and tyranny became more prevalent; Rich and poor divided the country because of disparity in every aspect of life. There’s no stopping the course of bigotry. The system of things are hostile to the common folks who have had suffered enough.
Pitiful as it may seem, but the old and new generation of leaders of the 20th century that are now lording over the affairs of the 21st century Philippines, are more than just the member of elite society but traditionally owners of big wealth taken at the expense of ordinary folks. These breed of leaders are mainly composed of prominent families who were voted to their political positions with the use of power, influence and intimidation. Like the previous leaders of old, these political leaders are not concerned at all to the progress of the country. Why, because they have their wealth to protect, they have their family to give lavish lifestyle and they have their selfish interests to continue to a lifetime. What a disgrace but this are all true where the Philippines was then second only to Japan in a not so distant past, but now fast retrogressing in the likes of Bangladesh and other poorer countries in Asia.