The latest National statistics reveal a negligible decline in COVID-19 cases within recent weeks despite a series of Nation-wide Lock-downs. History shows us that cracks in civilized society become substantially pronounced in the wake of catastrophe.
Informal Caste Systems
Prior to COVID-19, the distinct differentiation between the “haves” and the “have nots” was an unspoken matter of common knowledge within Philippine society. However, due in whole to the COVID-19 pandemic, the very blatant social privilege that accompanies this informal caste system, has become a pill, harder to swallow by a vast majority of the country’s impoverished population.
As recent as March of 2021, the Asian Development Bank Institute (ADBI) conducted a survey of Philippine households representing a diverse demographic. In this survey, 85% of Philippine households experienced a decline in income as a direct result of COVID-19 restrictions. Survey respondents consequentially reports this decline in income has resulted in financial difficulty to the extent they are not able to cover living expenses beyond one month. Coincidentally, ADBI reported in 2014 in a working paper highlighting income inequality in the Philippines, that of the country’s population, 20% earn approximately 56% of the domestic revenue.
The crisis impacting the average Filipino household will substantially increase the gap in income inequality in the Philippines, it really boils down to basic mathematics. With the country’s 85% facing economic hardship, the remaining 15%(presumably wealthiest) will retain its wealth.
Vectors of Income Exclusive to the “Working Class”
The vast majority of the Philippine “Working Class” draw upon one of three of the following vectors of income:
- Service/Hospitality Industry
- Overseas Foreign Work (OFW) and Foreign Remittances
- Informal Employment (No work, No Pay)
COVID-19 has significantly impacted, if not all by destroyed all three aforementioned vectors of income, thereby rendering approximately 85% of the population unable to earn basic income.
- Stringent travel restrictions set in place, in an exercise in scientifically baseless logic, has decimated the hotel and tourism industry. As such, the demand for associated services (i.e. restaurants, taxi, and concierge) has plummeted, taking this revenue source with it.
- Similar situations in consumer countries along with a targeted government recall has forced a vast majority of Overseas Foreign Workers to return to the Philippines, effectively eliminating this vector of income.
- And finally, Community Quarantines and provincial border restrictions have prevented employees from commuting into the National Capitol Region. Industries operating in the financial center of Manila draw upon skilled and unskilled labor sourced by neighboring provinces.
What do all of these vectors of income have in common and how is it relevant to the wealthiest class of Philippine citizens? The answer is easy: The wealthiest Filipino households do not draw from these income streams.
Vectors of income for the wealthy include: Entertainment, Investment Banking, Politics, and import/export. All of the aforementioned have weathered the COVID-19 storm and have earned handsomely. In some cases, these sectors have broken revenue records. While some sectors are not mentioned, cursory analysis will reveal relatively similar observations.
“Traditional distractions are no longer effective”
The Philippine entertainment industry has focused heavily on influencing the population into thinking that success and prosperity are within reach. The Nationally Broadcasted “Wowowin” has been a staple in many Filipino households. Host “Kuya” Willie Revillame (an industry conglomerate in his own right) has appealed to the masses with gameshows providing an opportunity to “win big” in outlandish and childish contests of both skill (but mostly) luck.
An objective look at this demonstration will reveal a vulnerable segment of the population, who appear to stop at nothing to win (in most cases the equivalent of $40 US). This is usually accomplished at the expense of personal dignity but by the benevolence of “Kuya Willie” who has so graciously provided this “opportunity” to the disadvantaged. In this example, a “Have” is worshiped as a provider, and a purveyor of dreams. It certainly makes for good tv.
HOWEVER, it appears that with the dawn of social media, and its relative widespread availability to even the poorest of Filipinos, the grip of the entertainment industry appears to be weakening. The result of the aforementioned, are concentrated groups of intellectuals who are educated, emboldened, and empowered by their peers. This growing generational segment of Filipino society is no longer susceptible to the social psychology of (rudimentary) marketing tactics of the Philippine entertainment industry.
What Lies Beneath…
The COVID-19 has taken what has been ignored by the masses for the past 40 years and placed it front and center within the collective consciousness of Philippine society. The aforementioned disparity between the “Haves” and the “Have Nots,” the “Pillaged” and the “Desperate” is nearing the line in the sand whereby the Social framework can no longer maintain a status quo.
It is now common for “Have Nots” to directly address demonstrations of privilege by the 20% who appear to be able to travel freely, unmolested, throughout the Philippines and abroad, with impunity. Vlogs, posts, story updates, and comments reflect a society who no longer finds this disparity appetizing.
Why is this important?
For security industry professionals, it is imperative that an objective measure of social stability is accounted for.
A “pandemic” constitutes a national calamity. Such events will likely render a particular society vulnerable and on the verge of collapse. Key indicators such as those listed above are critical levers for social stability. It is vital that tacticians are cognizant to strategic aspects of a problem as intimately as tactical aspects.
Philippines Security Watch 
Chess mate. Unless they open the borders to ALL foreigners!
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