What's Wrong With the Philippines?

And yet another period of "special" rule by the government in the Philippines comes to an end after yet another crisis. Times change but the Philippines remain the same.

The Philippines, in fact, is a very sick country, and that becomes all the more evident when you consider the relative prosperity of most of its neighbors.

The reasons are pretty obvious: A culture of corruption and self interest, historic failure to address necessary economic reforms, as well as widespread discimination against indigenous people and other minorities. But the big reason, in my view, is the Catholic Church hierarchy, which rather than be an effective agent for change (and perhaps the only institution with that power) has been very much culpable.

But then what do I know?

For a more detailed, nuanced and up-to-date look, go to this directory of Philippines blogs and make up your own mind.