A citizen is someone who is subjected to the conditions stated in the 1987 constitution. On a deeper degree, a citizen is someone who makes himself/herself aware of the concerns of the community and the political arena, who actively involves and participates in forwarding their position and sentiments to the government. However, most of the time this is not possible due to the limitations of the power of a citizen.

In the case of some LGUs, public servants introduce initiatives and assume what will be best for their constituents. In most cases especially in the Philippine, the system is, after election, leaders seem to be on their own. They see themselves as superiors, who have the monopoly of knowledge, running the government as if it is theirs. As a result, projects and programs being produced do not really match what the people and the country really need or even solve the problem at hand, if there’s any. The highest level of participation is as far as consultation. In most instances, it would be on the level of informing.

This shall be the unfortunate position of a Filipino citizen as of now. However, through a collective action by the citizens, either through election or other avenues, this might somehow be changed. This shall not be our destiny as a Filipino nation.

–Pinakbet