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In politics, we are experiencing voiceless growth. Citizens, the true subjects of democracy, have no real voice in the
affairs of the state. Political dynasties continue to reign supreme in Philippine politics. Traditional politicians
in the executive, legislative and judicial branches of government violate laws and regulations left and right
yet continue to justify these violations as their defense of law and order. The upper levels of the military are
highly politicized and corrupted. Government officials at all levels steal hundreds of billions every year from
the national budget. When citizens protest government wrongdoing and abuses, citizens are met with water
cannons and police brutality. Worst, some citizens become victims of unresolved extrajudicial killings. On top
of it all, the justice system is increasingly becoming corrupted, preventing citizens from obtaining relief from
the harm done to them. The growth of condominiums and malls hides the massive betrayal of democracy.
We think the problem is only out there. But, in truth, the problem is
also inside us. There is corruption and decline outside, because,
inside many of us, we have died to our ideals, to our sense of
freedom, courage, imagination, bayanihan, entrepreneurship, justice
and fair play. We have found the enemy and the enemy is us.
There is a universal truth that we ignore at our peril. The most
powerful governments and institutions exist only as long as citizens
allow their existence. Rizal said it more simply and directly. There are
no tyrants if there are no slaves.