18/11/2024
The Manifesto of Juan Tamad: Breaking the Chains of Dependency
I believe in Karl Marx's idea of interdependence, as outlined in The Communist Manifesto, where he described the universal interdependence of nations in contrast to the old local and national seclusion of independence and self-sufficiency. This inspired me to create my own satirical manifesto, which I call Juan Tamad's Manifesto. It sheds light on the long-standing undesirable trait of some Filipinos: excessive dependence on Uncle Sam and an obsession with the so-called American Dream.
Before delving into what I truly want to address, let me affirm Marx's idea of interdependence and its importance to a nation's survival. His philosophy can be aptly supported by the adage, "No man is an island." Indeed, no one can survive alone without others to live alongside. Similarly, the Philippines cannot thrive in isolation; it needs mutual respect, support, and cooperation with other nations. As the Christian song goes, "Walang sinoman ang nabubuhay para sa sarili lamang…"
This is the essence of interdependence. But why am I emphasizing this? Why am I creating a manifesto about Juan Tamad in relation to Filipinos? Why was the Filipino once branded as Juan Tamad, and why does his story persist, influencing our daily lives? This stereotype has been perpetuated throughout our history, poisoning the minds of generations. Though Filipinos have earned global recognition for their significant contributions to the world economy and nation-building, the caricature of Juan Tamad remains.
Juan Tamad is the comical representation of the Philippines’ economic inertia, symbolizing those who continuously paralyze our economy. He represents the Filipinos who cultivate a culture of colonial mentality, crab mentality, and beggar or mendicant mentality. The question of who is Juan Tamad underscores a critical concern: where does the Philippines stand economically after a long-standing relationship with a First World country like America?
Our relationship with the United States is no secret. It is even envied by other nations. However, this close association has strained our ties with other countries, as our attachment to America has overshadowed our painful history, including the Japanese-American War and the so-called American Liberation. Colonized for decades, Filipinos endured suffering that continues to echo today, with America’s interference in Philippine affairs. This evokes a haunting question: Are we being liberated once again, this time in secret?
Yes, we are seen as a good ally to the US, evidenced by our hosting of war games. Our government even granted Americans visa-free access to the Philippines, a courtesy that was not reciprocated. This asymmetry deeply offended our former President, Rodrigo Duterte, who expressed outrage over the denial of US visas to many Filipinos. He was also angered by the unresolved case of the American involved in the Davao bombing years ago. This apparent lack of respect from the US fueled his desire for an Independent Foreign Policy.
When Duterte assumed office, his criticisms of the US drew widespread backlash. Many lambasted his decision to abolish the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) and his calls for economic independence. Critics labeled him foul-mouthed, a psychopath, a serial killer akin to Hi**er, and a future dictator for supporting the burial of Marcos in the Libingan ng mga Bayani. Despite these accusations, Duterte’s unwavering love for the country drove him to promise a clean government, a drug-free Philippines, and a nation with a truly Independent Foreign Policy.
However, many Filipinos struggle to support such aspirations, entrenched as they are in a beggar mentality. Rather than utilizing our own resources and capabilities, we cling to America for financial support. This dependence undermines the true spirit of interdependence as envisioned by Karl Marx. Duterte’s pronouncement of separating from America did not mean severing ties but rather fostering economic self-reliance. He believed in the potential of the Filipino people to rise on their own efforts, an idea dismissed by many due to a lack of confidence and trust in the government.
This is the tragedy of Juan Tamad: a nation afraid to stand on its own feet, content to beg even when it can thrive independently. This is not the interdependence Marx described; this is our own misguided creation—the Manifesto of Juan Tamad.
