22/10/2024
The Politics of Poverty -- How Politicians Contribute to the Struggles of the Filipino People
Poverty in the Philippines is a deeply entrenched issue, affecting millions of Filipinos despite the country's overall economic growth. While there are many reasons for this, one critical factor often goes unnoticed: the role of politicians and the decisions they make that exacerbate poverty. From short-term solutions like government handouts to false promises and questionable policies, politicians have significantly contributed to the persistence of poverty in the country.
The Ayuda System: Dependency Over Empowerment
One of the clearest examples is the Ayuda (financial assistance) system, which was put in place during the COVID-19 pandemic to help those affected by lockdowns and economic shutdowns. While this aid was essential for survival during the crisis, it has also exposed a deeper problemโdependency on government handouts.
The Ayuda system provided immediate relief but lacked long-term support that could empower Filipinos to become more self-sufficient. Without complementary programs like job creation, education, or skills training, some beneficiaries have grown reliant on these handouts. Critics argue that this encourages a sense of complacency, where some individuals choose to wait for the next wave of government aid rather than actively seeking employment or improving their skills.
According to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), the government spent billions on financial assistance during the pandemic. While this support was necessary in the short term, relying solely on handouts without fostering sustainable economic opportunities can keep people trapped in poverty.
False Promises During Elections: A Cycle of Deception
Election season in the Philippines is often a time of grand promises. Politicians pledge to eliminate poverty, improve the economy, and uplift the lives of Filipinos. However, once the elections are over, many of these promises are left unfulfilled, and the cycle of poverty continues.
A classic example is the promise of "inclusive growth," made by several presidential candidates over the years. While the country has experienced economic growthโ7.6% in 2022 according to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA)โthis growth has largely benefited the wealthy, leaving the poor with little to no improvement in their lives.
These promises are often made with little intention of follow-through. Agricultural reform, which could greatly benefit millions of poor farmers, is a prime example. Despite decades of promises, programs like the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP), which was supposed to distribute land to farmers, remain incomplete and poorly implemented. As a result, many farmers remain landless, struggling to make ends meet.
Projects Visible Only During Election Time
Another issue that has plagued the Philippines for decades is the phenomenon of government projects that only seem to appear when elections are near. Road repairs, school buildings, public markets, and other infrastructure projects often come to life months before an election, only to be left unfinished or poorly maintained once the polls close.
This tactic, known as epal politics, allows politicians to present themselves as active public servants just before election season. These visible projects are often used to entice voters, creating the illusion that real progress is being made. However, this short-term strategy prioritizes immediate political gain over long-term public welfare.
For example, major road repairs or the construction of new bridges are sometimes rushed to completion just before elections. While these projects are highly visible, they are often poorly planned and implemented, leading to structural issues or a lack of follow-up. These incomplete or subpar projects can waste public funds that could have been better used to address the root causes of poverty, such as education and healthcare.
Corruption: Money Meant for the Poor Stolen
Corruption remains one of the biggest contributors to poverty in the Philippines. Every year, billions of pesos meant for essential services such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure are siphoned off by corrupt officials. In 2023, the Philippines ranked 116 out of 180 countries on the Corruption Perception Index, highlighting how widespread the problem is.
One notorious example is the misuse of pork barrel funds. Intended for local development projects, these funds have often been diverted to ghost projects or fake organizations. Instead of building much-needed schools, roads, or clinics in poor communities, the money has ended up in the pockets of a few corrupt politicians. This mismanagement deprives millions of Filipinos of the resources they need to improve their lives.
Laws That Benefit the Elite, Not the Poor
Some government policies and laws disproportionately favor the rich, leaving the poor to bear the burden. Tax incentives for large corporations are designed to boost economic growth, but these benefits rarely trickle down to the ordinary Filipino. Meanwhile, the poor continue to pay higher indirect taxes, making it harder for them to stretch their already limited income.
The Rice Tariffication Law of 2019, which allowed for unlimited rice imports, is another example. While the law was successful in lowering rice prices, it devastated local farmers who couldn't compete with the influx of cheaper imported rice. These small-scale farmers, many of whom were already living in poverty, were pushed further into financial hardship. The government promised subsidies to support affected farmers, but the rollout has been slow, leaving many struggling.
The Need for Real Solutions
The root causes of poverty in the Philippines are complex, but political decisions play a major role in keeping Filipinos trapped in hardship. Instead of focusing on short-term handouts and election-driven projects, politicians should prioritize long-term solutions that empower people to stand on their own. This includes job creation, education, healthcare, and agricultural development.
Politicians must also be held accountable for their promises. The cycle of false promises, incomplete projects, and corruption has gone on for far too long. The Filipino people deserve leaders who focus on sustainable growth and real poverty alleviation, not just during election season but throughout their entire term in office.
Real change will only come when voters demand more than just handouts and empty promises. The cycle of poverty and political deception can be broken, but it requires both political will and public vigilance. Only then will we see the kind of progress that lifts all Filipinos out of poverty and into a brighter, more equitable future.
