Poverty has been a long time problem in the Phils. I think it will always remain as long as the corrupt officials remain in power. If only the taxes paid by the people will be utilized properly and for the benefit of everyone, then maybe poverty will be managed if not eradicated.

How many times I have heard about business clients complaining about the under-the-table negotiations that they were forced into with the Revenue officers....and that would be as much as 20-30 million pesos!!!...whatta heap of money which should have been used for the good of all filipinos and not just into the pockets of a very few corrupt govt. employees!!!! If ony we have honest govt. officials, then these tax evaders will be compelled to pay the taxes due from them, and that is for the benefit of the entire Filipino people.(Should I be posting this under Rant category?)

And I don't believe that Phil.poverty is to be blamed to filipinos being lazy. Filipinos are not basically indolent! What makes them look like one is because of the social environment they are sorrounded with. Lots of Filipinos working abroad are much more hardworking and industrious compared to when they are working back home. Why? because out there in the west, they have more hope, a virtue which a Filipino tends to lose when home because of the evident corruptions, economic instability and unemployment.