Confucianism In The Philippines

Confucianism is being thought as ideal and important in shaping a strong state. This was used in shaping Chinese social relationships and moral thoughts. It also taught an attitude of respect to fellow humans, such as respect for one's parents, teachers, and elders. Confucius taught the people to concentrate in doing the right thing in this life

On the other hand, the West follows the rule of law while countries influenced by Confucius follow the rule of man. It is now a question on whether the Confucian thought is enough to be the moral basis of bureaucracy. Is the moral basis of bureaucracy enough to have a strong state? Or is it better to merge the Western thought and Confucian thought to have a public official that will build a stronger

Government officials cannot even resolve some of the country’s problems. What is sad, more often the problems are the elected government officials who are not worthy enough to hold such position. For an instance, in the Patron-Client Framework, some, if not all candidates for the upcoming elections give citizens and voters material things like food and money during the campaign period. Giving material things to the poor is a form of bribery. The voting poor accept it even they know that receiving money during campaign periods is against good morals. These kinds of candidates for high government positions do not belong to Confucian standard of a good public official.They know that bribing is not allowed and it is against good morals and yet they still continue to do it. What more if they are already elected as a public officials? When they are already in the position, the more they will continue to do the things which are against good morals. Filipinos should not choose government officials who are living a life of immorality.

For the Philippines to become a strong nation, it should be led by officials of good moral character, the characteristics of an ideal Confucian official. At the same time, these officials should also have the influence of the Western thought. They can implement the law without destroying the moral basis of a good human and citizen of the

One of these is the mentality developed when the Spaniards, Americans, and Japanese colonized The Philippines. Filipinos were abused and killed with no mercy at all. This kind of treatment does not show any humanitarian value at all. Some officials have adopted this to the extent that they can bear to have their competitors be assassinated with and killed just for them to remain in power.

High educational attainment should not also be the only basis for a government official to be considered as someone who is capable to lead the nation. As they say, some learned but not educated. And to be considered as someone educated, he should be of good moral values and a law abiding citizen.

These are the traits of a good leader, being a good example of a selfless, strong and powerful official who has the respect of the Filipinos. If only the Philippines has this kind of government officials, The Filipinos would live in harmony and not in chaos.

The Western thought and Confucian thought when put together will balance everything. Law and morality should both rule. Seeing this country being shaped by the Western and Confucian thought for the betterment of both the rich and the poor Filipinos is such a great feeling. I know there is hope for the Filipino people. And as a youth, I can see the light for the