Ever Wonder Why We’re Fighting Each Other Instead of Fixing the Real Problem?
Let’s face it—Filipinos are naturally kind and helpful. But decades of systemic corruption have twisted our values and behaviors. We’ve learned to adapt to a broken system instead of demanding real change. The result? Road rages, blame games, and toxic survival tactics.
Here are 5 things Filipinos often get wrong—not because we’re bad people, but because we were trained by a corrupt culture.
1. Road Rage – We Fight Each Other, Not the System
Traffic jams and poor roads? That’s bad governance, not the driver next to you. But instead of uniting against inefficiency, we explode on each other.
https://amzn.to/41gzhoe✅ Fix It: Practice mindfulness behind the wheel. A simple breathing exercise can save you from rage.
👉 I use this car phone mount for Waze so I can focus on driving safely.
2. Normalizing “Lagayan” – Bribery as a Shortcut
From fixing licenses to jumping lines, “lagay” feels like the fastest way. But this mindset keeps corruption alive.
✅ Fix It: Stop paying to cheat the system. Instead, prepare documents early and track deadlines using planners.
👉 I recommend this budget and productivity planner to keep your schedule organized.
3. Blaming the Poor—Instead of the Policies
We shame street vendors or jeepney drivers for causing traffic, while billion-peso projects vanish without explanation. The real issue? Lack of planning and accountability.
✅ Fix It: Educate yourself on governance and economics. Knowledge = power.
👉 This book, “Why Nations Fail,” is an eye-opener about why countries stay poor.
4. Political Idolatry – Treating Leaders Like Celebrities
Election season feels like a fan fest. We cheer for candidates like they’re movie stars, forgetting they work for us.
✅ Fix It: Vote based on platforms, not personalities. Research before you decide.
👉 I use this Kindle Paperwhite for reading policy papers and governance books anywhere.
5. Crab Mentality – Competing Instead of Collaborating
Corruption breeds scarcity, so we fight for crumbs instead of building together. We envy success instead of learning from it.
✅ Fix It: Build skills that make you competitive without tearing others down.
👉 For personal growth, “Atomic Habits” is my go-to book for building powerful habits.
FINAL THOUGHTS:
We’re Not the Enemy—The System Is
Filipinos aren’t naturally toxic; we’ve been shaped by decades of bad governance. But here’s the truth: we have the power to unlearn these habits and fight for better systems.
✅ Which one of these have you noticed in yourself or others? Let’s talk in the comments.
And hey, if this resonated with you, share this post so more people wake up!