What's Da Buzz?

Nope, I’m not going to dig into international politics. That is just not the purpose of this blog. But this is Wednesday and my theme is Life Here and There. So how are conflicts resolved involving individuals in the Philippines versus in the USA? (Again- opinion ko lang ha!)

For violent offenders such as rapists, murderers, drug dealers and the like, the USA tries them in court and attempts to prove their guilt or innocence. If they are found guilty, then they are sentenced to prison. The death penalty is not enforced in a way to make it something to be feared. Lesser criminals also receive prison, working for the community to pay back, probation and / or financial penalties. (example si Paris Hilanaton!)

In the Philippines, should you be caught as a rapist, murderer, drug dealer or of that kind, you will likely not live see a trial. The lesser criminals go to prison and learn very quickly that prison is not a place you want to me at all. It is a place you dread to go even if you are a criminal. (Tama ba ako?) The main difference in conflict resolution comes when it is much more personal in nature. I’m a bit torn as to which method is better. But one thing I am certain of and proud of is the values of respect and honor we Filipinos have. Hospitality and being religious are a very common amongst Filipinos. But the top two values that define a Filipino are being very respectful and that our families are the core of our lives. Combining the two means we hold our parents and grandparents in high regard.

It is questionable what is worse in our culture. Is it a rapist, a murderer or one who attacks their parents? In the Philippines, manipulating your parents to work for you and taking their money is unthinkable. Going out of your way to ruin the lives of your parents or siblings by evil or vicous lies gets the worst punishment (Bugbugin ka ng kapatid mo or related sayo hehe- cruel no?) outside of death. Doing these things will have your Aunt, Uncles, siblings, parents and your entire extended family kick you out of the family to be alone or palalayasin ka with sampalan to the max! This means no one is allowed to speak to you, help you, trust you until you apologize truly to your parents. Depending on the family and the level of offense, the entire extended family may beat the crap out of you before running you out of the city.

So what do they do in the USA to those cruel and heartless enough to attack their good parents or kapamilya? The Aunts, Uncles, and extended family shun them. Depending on the parents and those involved, some will take more than others. Those who do not take it will disown their child. Some will go one step further and do what the USA does best. Meet the offending party in court. ( Eh tayong mga pinoy, court system para lang sa may pera kumbaga manigas ka!)

That may be the part I like about the USA the best. We can’t fully trust our courts in the Phils. But the courts in the USA, for the most part, follow and uphold the law. When an individual here doesn’t follow the law, they can be forced to by the courts. Of course, it’s not always perfect. O ayan napahaba tuloy ang post ko. Salamat sa pagbasa!

And yeah, Happy Birthday to our Dear Kurimaw. We love you so much! xoxo!

-Anah

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