The Country is not merely an Economy
June 20th, 2007 at 10:03 pm (National Politics, Economics)
In her meeting with the executives of media companies, Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo asked for the help of the media so that she is not distracted by politics, in order for her to focus on the economy. According to Arroyo, her three remaining years as President is time for her to build a legacy before she steps down. Arroyo promised to work on the economy so the people may eventually feel its effect.
Although it is commendable that Arroyo and her Cabinet are working hard to improve the economy, I don’t think that it is enough to build a strong and lasting legacy. Will the Filipinos really remember the strong economy despite the political instability, despite numerous doubts on the legitimacy of her presidency, despite the scandals, despite the many extra-judicial killings, despite the questionable treatment of criminals, despite everything? I don’t think so.
What Arroyo and her people forget is that the Philippines is not merely a business. It is a country of citizens whose needs are not only financial. It is a country of human beings who have morals and ethics. It is a country.
Arroyo is grossly underestimating the Philippines and the Filipino people. Yes, we are a forgiving and forgetful people. But not all of us easily forgive and forget. She best not forget that she is not merely an economist, and a president. First and foremost, she is a human being.
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Mark said,
June 25, 2007 at 3:46 pm
I agree that economic prosperity is not the only measure of a nation’s performance. However, I think we also have to remember two things 1) a presidential term is too short to effect changes in all dimensions of a nation let alone economic performance and 2) just like a business cannot contribute to society if it isn’t profitable, a nation cannot help its citizens if its economic performance is dismal. In short, economic performance, while not representing all aspects of a nation, certainly is THE enabler for producing the multi-dimensional results that we desire.
Having said all that, I agree that we shouldn’t compromise our moralities and integrity for the sake of economic performance.
angelo said,
July 8, 2007 at 12:27 am
hi may name is angelo sato
Amylou said,
September 28, 2007 at 7:19 pm
First of all I am not a fanatic of GMA or to Erap yet I am a filipino by birth. To be rich or to be poor is a choice. If your choice is to become rich you have to work hard and save some of your hard earned money. Don’t spent left and right more than what you earned. If you just sit down, do nothing just wait for the “swerte” to come as what they say then you will really become poor. Money don’t just grows in the trees. Whoever and whatever kind of President we have if you don’t help yourself then you are still the same. All the Presidents we have are always blamed why we are poor. We are just too materialistic. Some take a loan just to celebrate birthdays, buy appliances, and so on and so forth. If we have some extra money it doesn’t go to our savings/investments, it goes to having some fun to show and tell our neighbors/friends that we are rich even deep inside we are not.