REVIEWER IN ETHICS 1.

1 IMPORTANCE OF ETHICS

 Ethics or moral philosophy can be

 Ethics is a set of rules that allows us to say
provisionally described as the empirical study
right from wrong, good from the bad.
of moral decisions.
 Ethics can provide true, specific guidance to
 It is a discipline concerned with what is
our lives.
morally good and evil, right and wrong.
 Ethical principles such as fairness,
 The word often refers to any scheme or
trustworthiness, responsibility help direct us
philosophy of universal ideals or beliefs.
to cope more effectively with ethical
 The concept is derived from the Greek word
dilemmas by removing actions that do not
“ethos” which may mean tradition, habit,
adhere to our sense of right and wrong–our
character, or attitude.
own moral interests–without compromising
 Ethics is a systematic analysis of the nature of
others.
human actions. It is concerned about the
 Furthermore, ethics is all about decisions.
correctness and wrongness of the act.
 Bazerman and Ann Trebrunsel (2011) identify
 As a philosophy, is a very important discipline
the blind spots as the differences between
because it involves critical thinking, as it
who you want to be and who you are.
explores and describes fundamental beliefs,
 Ethicists put less emphasis on studying
standards, ideals, and traditions.
philosophic principles and, instead, emphasize
 As a branch of philosophy, ethics is divided
the importance of establishing good habits of
into normative and meta-ethics.
character – needs of doing the right thing in
 The purpose of normative ethics, which
the right place and time in the right way.
concerns human behavior in general, is to
 The virtues of intelligence, bravery, patience,
address our questions about the essence of
and justice guide ethical decision-making as
human behavior.
they provide the basis for rational decisions
 Normative ethics, by definition, examine
when faced with an ethical dilemma.
whether or not a particular act should or
 There must be moral principles that should be
should not be carried out.
observed by all. Some people will lie; many
Two fields of normative ethics:
may not do what they assume they will do,
 Moral philosophy deals with moral ideas such
and others may behave irresponsibly and
as what human beings "must do or how
participate in harmful conduct.
human beings should be." This also deals with
 For moralists, following one's interests is not
our moral obligation, the meaning of the act,
wrong.
or the purpose of the act.
 Nevertheless, an ethical individual must be
 Applied ethics is a philosophy that discusses
able – at least occasionally–to place the needs
strong and basic moral issues linked to
of others ahead of self-interest, because of
abortion.
our duty to civil society.
 Meta-ethics is a discipline that relies on
 According to Leano Jr. & Gunta-on (2018), the
meaning.
study of ethics should consider making it
 It is a science that is seeking to address non-
possible for an individual to fully understand
moral questions about morality.
what his conscience is, how he has gained it,
 Those refer to questions about the nature of
how far he is willing and able to respect his
moral statements, the purpose and
outward manifestations with protection, and
significance of moral facts, and concerns
how well he can strengthen it and make it
about the interpretation and justification of
even smarter.
moral statements.
 From the standpoints of the authors
 In contrast to meta-ethics, normative ethics
mentioned above, several views on the
seeks to examine how human beings respond
importance of ethics were pro founded and
to a moral question
these are the following:
 (1) through ethics people can determine the

difference between right from wrong, good
and bad;
 (2) people can eliminate actions that do not Moral standards should always be retained
conform to what is right; even if they are at stake with self-interest.
 (3) people will be very careful to the actions  (4) Moral standards are focused on objective
and decisions to make; considerations. The basis of considerations
 (4) people will not be disturbed of the and decisions must not be favorable only to a
internal and external factors of not doing the particular person or group. Anyone who
right thing; commits. mistakes and wrongful acts then is
 (5) establish good habits of characters of a punished accordingly. It must be an unbiased
person; or impartial consideration.
 (6) come up to rational decisions in facing an  (5) Moral standards are perceived to be
ethical dilemma; universal. We want everyone to live up to
 (7) it makes a person responsible in the these norms and feel resentful when
family, school and society; somebody doesn't live up to them.
 (8) a person becomes sensitive to the needs of  Moral standards believed to be universal as it
others more than himself or herself; is applicable anywhere and anytime.
 (9) reminds a person to fully need conscience  (6) Moral standards are correlated with
in decision making and a person can different feelings and vocabulary. If anyone
acknowledge the actions made. doesn't live up to the norm or standards, he
THE DIFFERENCES OF MORAL AND NON- will feel guilty, bad, and wrong. The same is
MORAL STANDARDS AND CHARACTERISTICS true when someone else does not live up to
OF MORAL STANDARDS the expectations, norms, and standards,
 Moral standards refer to the guidelines we others may feel disgusted at this person.
have on the types of acts that we find to be  Non-moral standards, on the contrary, apply
morally permissible and morally unacceptable. to laws which are not related to social or legal
 It primarily deals with issues that can either considerations. Perhaps these criteria are not
potentially threaten or greatly benefit human inherently related to morality or, by their very
beings. definition, lack of ethical sense.
 Some ethicists placed moral ethics on par  Examples of non-moral standards are the
with social values and moral principles. following: etiquette, statutes, code of
 Moral standards normally promote the professional ethics, etc.
common good, that is, the welfare and well-  Etiquette is a decorum, propriety means
being of human beings, animals, and the reverence for the formal criteria governing
environment. conduct in a civilized society.
 Moral standards are a blending of norms and  Etiquette refers conventional ways and uses
values. Therefore, norms plus values pertain the rules of etiquette.
to moral standards.  Decorum implies modesty and a sense of
 Norms as standards are basic guidelines what is becoming or is fitting for a person of
regarding human acts. good breeding: a fine sense of decorum.
 Values, though, are universal convictions as to  A statute is a written law passed by a
what is acceptable, desirable, and beneficial legislative body as defined by Oxford English
or not. and Spanish Dictionary.
There are several characteristics of morals  Legality and morality are distinct, but often
standards as mentioned by Velasquez (2012) people are confused about these terms. We
such as and vocabularies such as: believe that what is moral is also legal and
 (1) Moral standards entail serious harm or that what is immoral is not good. Not all that
benefit. is lawful is moral.
(2) Moral standards are not determined by  The Professional Code of Ethics,
authority figures. consequently, is a set of guidelines intended
Moral values should always be upheld, even to help practitioners differentiate between
though they are at odds with self-interest. right and wrong to guide their decision-
 (3) Moral standards should be adopted over making.
other values, including self-interest.
  HOW MORAL STANDARDS ARE FORMED not equally strong moral reasons for acting in another
way.
 Morals are shaped by the beliefs of an
 According to Kurie & Albin (2007), a moral
individual.
dilemma is a situation in which people assume
 Values are the basis of the capacity of an
that they should morally do one thing and
individual to distinguish between right and
that they should morally do another thing,
wrong.
and occasionally a third thing or even a fourth
 Morals build on this to form concrete, context
thing, but they're not doing any of these
driven rules that regulate the actions of an
mutually contradictory choices together.
individual. They are formed from the
 The ethical dilemma or a moral dilemma as
experience of a person's life and are subject to
expounded by Figar & Dordevic, (2016) is a
opinion.
situation whereby a person has to make a
 There are certain moral standards that all of
decision.
us hold in our actions in society. There are
various factors on how moral standards are
The above definitions characterized moral
influenced:
dilemma or ethical dilemma as:
 (1) the moral values or principles that we
 (1) Making an option to one moral value over
conform with, in our rearing;
the other;
 (2) the character and manners that imbibed
 (2) A situation where moral values are equally
with us by means of birthright;
significant;
 (3) the religious values that our forefathers
 (3) A scenario where a person has a strong
taught us;
moral reason in action, but not equally strong
 (4) the values we learned from school;
moral reason in acting in another way;
 (5) the moral conduct, ways and habits of
 (4) A state where a person should morally do
those people around us;
one, two, or more and have difficulty in
 (6) the direct and implied cultural norms;
deciding any of those conflicting choices.
 (7) our life experiences; and
 Thinking which is the best between and
 (8) our critical thinking in these experiences.
among choices, and perhaps at stake or in a
hot sit when choosing.
MODULE 2 : MORAL DILEMMAS
 The choice may be favorable to some,
 In the definition of Kvalnes (2019), a moral
however, not favorable to others. It gets
dilemma is a situation in which a
individual stress of judging as to whether the
decisionmaker must give preference to one
decision is good or not in travailing
moral principle over another.
circumstances.
 Dilemmas occur when, confronted with a
 A moral dilemma or ethical dilemma applies
challenging two or more of that kind of values
to our personal life, in a job, in a profession,
disagree with the understanding of the
education, and some others. In any decision,
decision-maker, or when one assesses the
an individual must analyze every aspect,
moral option of another.
scrutinize the pros and cons, and after several
 A person experienced with a dilemma must
evaluations then finally decide.
decide whether the moral duty will be given
 THREE LEVELS OF MORAL DILEMMA
priority; "whatever action is taken will offend
ORGANIZATIONAL ETHICAL OR MORAL
an important moral value."
DILEMMA
 In addition, Kvalnes explained that (2019) a
 As discussed by Lamberto et. al(2013), an
moral dilemma may arise as a result of a prior
organizational ethical dilemma refers to a
personal mistake.
situation that causes an organization to
 It's called a self-inflicted dilemma. In a strict
respond negatively or positively to an ethical
sense, a moral dilemma is a situation in which
issue that affects staff, shareholders, and
moral values are of equal importance.
society, as well as corporate ethics and
In a broader sense, there may be moral dilemmas in customers. It includes also the leaders' ethical
which a person has strong moral reasons for acting actions
which are described to be as remarkable, nonetheless,
 there are common ethical issues in the scenario in which may change their behavior
organization such as: and attitude.
 (1) Unethical leadership/bad leadership STRUCTURAL MORAL DILEMMA
behavior. A leader of the organization must  The structural moral dilemma is that selecting
act with candor, be an example to his a proper system of responsibilities and
subordinates, with upright moral values. He or relationships, which is a continuing universal
she doesn’t engage in abuse of leadership challenge.
authority, accepting inappropriate gifts and  There are five concepts in the structural moral
other related unethical leadership. dilemma to consider namely:
 (2) Toxic workplace culture. A leader of the
organization must focus on the development Differentiation vs. Integration
of work culture. He makes sure that his  The conflict between the distribution of jobs
subordinates have work-life balance, and the organization of numerous activities
motivated and happy working in the generates a classic dilemma.
organization, If not then the performance and  The more complicated a task structure, the
productivity of the employees will be affected. more difficult it is to sustain a centered, tightly
 (3) Discrimination and harassment/ Peril of coupled organization.
employee favoritism. A leader must treat  When complexity grows, the company needs
fairly his or her subordinates and avoid any more complicated and expensive
form of discrimination and harassment. management techniques. Laws, regulations,
 (4) Unrealistic and conflicting goals. A leader and directives need to be balanced by lateral
must have realistic and very clear goals so that approaches.
his or her subordinates understand what the
organization is going through, hence, they can Gap vs Overlap
work together thoroughly until they reach the  When the main tasks are not explicitly
goals of the organization. defined, the critical job will slip through gaps.
 (5) Use of the organization’s technology, In a similar manner, functions and activities
social media use, technology, and privacy can overlap, causing conflict, wasting time,
concerns. It is ethical that the technology of and unintended duplication of responsibilities.
the organization must only use for the
organization’s transactions Social media use Lack of Clarity vs. Lack of Creativity
while in the office must be avoided as much as  When employees are not clear about what
possible so that important dealings with the they are expected to do, they often adapt
clients must be prioritized. their tasks to personal interests instead of
 (6) Business travel ethics. There are times system-wide goals that often lead to
that a leader and an employee are in official problems. Yet when people 's duties are over
business and in doing that, they have per defined, they comply with their positions and
diem every meal and must use the fund of the procedures in a bureaucratic manner. They
organization appropriately. specifically follow job requirements as to how
 INDIVIDUAL MORAL DILEMMA much the service or product fails
 As mentioned by Smith (2018), individual  Excessive Autonomy vs. Excessive
ethical or moral dilemma pertains to a Interdependence
situation where individuals confront with a  When individuals or groups are too
number of factors such as peer pressure, independent, they are always isolated. On the
personal financial position, an economic and other hand, if the units and responsibilities
social status which may influence all individual are too closely connected, people are
ethical standards. absentminded from work and waste time or
 Socialization is part of every individual's life. It excessive coordination.
is just a query as to whether an individual
remains aware of doing what is good and Based on the discussion above, to avoid
what is right. There are times that due to peer structural moral dilemma then following
pressure, an individual engages in a certain characteristics must be maintained:
 (1) Must have well-distributed jobs and the way. Interference with another’s freedom is
laws, policies, rules, and regulations must be understood as coercing the other to be happy
balanced through lateral approaches. as the former sees.
(2) Must have an implicitly defined job  Immanuel Kant accentuates the following
description, roles, and duties to evade from philosophy on freedom:
gaps and overlaps.  1. Individuals have the right to choose one's
(3) Must have a clear-cut expectation of the conduct based on reason, not desire.
tasks in a wide range of goals  2. Individuals have to abide by the rules that
(4) Must have a well-balanced they follow.
interdependence and co0rdination.  3. Individuals are independent from being
limited by the option of others to the extent
MODULE 3 FREEDOM AS FOUNDATION FOR that they may coexist with each other's
MORAL ACTS freedom under universal rule.
 KANT’S PHILOSOPHY ON FREEDOM  4. Equality is the most among the various
 Kant's definition of freedom is the right to freedoms and freedom is the only inherent
control one's actions based on reason, not power. The three concepts of freedom are the
desire. All of this can be simplified to the freedom of a human being as a member of a
definition of autonomy. state, the dignity of each person as a subject,
 The term Autonomy derives from the Greek and the freedom of any member of the
term, which translates into self-legislator. The commonwealth as a resident.
principle, then, is not to live by the animalistic  5. Individuals have an autonomous right to be
rules forced on them from birth, but rather to happy in their own way, and the intervention
live by the laws that you enforce on yourself. of another's freedom means forcing others to
 Therefore, from Kant's point of view, be happy.
libertarian freedom is not absolute, but in KANT’S PHILOSOPHY ON MORALITY
fact, it is the subjugation of oneself to one's  Kant based his ethical philosophy on the idea
wish. that reason should be used to decide how
 There is only one inherent right, "says Kant," people will behave. He did not attempt to
freedom (independence from being limited by recommend concrete action but advised that
the option of another) to the degree that it reason should be used to decide how to
can coexist with the freedom of each other behave
following universal law". Below are the main Kant’s philosophy on
 Kant opposes any other justification for the morality.
state, in particular by arguing that the welfare 1. GOOD WILL AND DUTY
of people can not be the foundation of state  Kant based the idea of obligation on ethical
power. law.
 He claims that the state can not legally  Kant started his ethical philosophy by arguing
enforce any specific definition of happiness on that the only virtue that can be un
its people. It will be for the dictator to see controversially good is good will. No one
people as infants, believing that they are virtue has this position, since any other virtue
incapable of grasping what is beneficial or may be used to accomplish unethical ends (for
detrimental to themselves. example, the virtue of loyalty is not good if
 Freedom is not the only reason for the ideals one is loyal to the evil person).
that underlies the state.  Good will is unique as it is always good and
 In Theory and Practice, Kant makes equality retains its moral values even though it fails to
the first of three concepts, such as the achieve its moral intentions.
freedom of a human being as a member of a  Kant found good will to be a common moral
state, the dignity of each person as a subject, concept that openly wishes to use certain
and the freedom of any member of the virtues for moral purposes.
commonwealth as a resident.  In Addition, to Kant, good will is a wider
 As discussed in “Theory and Practice” conception than the will of obligation.
Freedom highlighted the autonomous right of  Kant believes that only actions committed
all individuals to conceive of happiness in their concerning obligation have moral meaning.
 Kant’s definition of obligation does not mean  Maxims fail this test if, when universalized,
that people carry out their duties reluctantly. they create either a contradiction in
 While duty also restricts people and induces conception or a contradiction in the will.
them to act against their inclinations, it still  A contradiction in conception arises because,
stems from the voluntariliness of an agent or a if the principle is to be universalized, it fails to
person: they want to abide by moral law. make sense, since the "limit will inevitably
ruin itself as soon as the universal law has
2. PERFECT AND IMPERFECT DUTIES been created."
 Having applied the categorical imperative,  The maxim is not rational because it is
duties emerge because failure to perform theoretically impractical to universalize. We
them will either result in a contradiction of could not think of a world where this maxim
conception or a contradiction of will. has been universalized.
 The former are categorized as perfect tasks,  The maxim may also be unethical because it
and the latter as imperfect. causes an inconsistency in the will when it is
 The perfect duty is always true. There seems universalized.
to be a perfect duty to tell the truth, so we  Kant argued that morality was the objective
must never lie. law of reason: just as objective physical laws
 Imperfect duty requires flexibility. involved physical action.
Beneficence is an imperfect duty because we  Objective rational law requires rational
are not obligated to be absolutely helpful at action. He, therefore, assumed that a
all times, but should choose the times and perfectly rational being would also be
places in which we are. perfectly moral since a perfectly reasonable
 Kant believes that perfect duty is more being feels it necessary to do what is rationally
important than an imperfect duty: when a necessary.
conflict of duty arises, perfect duty must be  Kant believed that the objective rule of reason
carried out. is a priori, arising outward from rationality.
Just as physical laws occur before human
3. CATEGORICAL IMPERATIVE beings, logical laws (morality) occur before
 Categorical imperative command rational beings.
unconditionally. Irrespective of our wishes or  According to Kant, therefore, objective
desires, a categorical imperative binds us as morality is fundamental and can not change
everyone has a responsibility not to lie, regard depending on the circumstances.
less of conditions and even though it is in our
interest to do so. 5. HUMANITY AS AN END IN ITSELF
 A hypothetical imperative is one that we  The second interpretation of Kant's
must fulfill if we are to satisfy our desires or Categorical Imperative is to view life as an end
command conditionally on your having a in itself: “Act in such a way that you treat
relevant desire. humanity, whether in your own person or in
 These imperatives are legally binding because the person of another, always at the same
they are founded on reason, about an time as an end and never simply as a means.”
individual and not subjective evidence.  (Immanuel Kant, Groundwork of the
 In addition to hypothetical imperatives, these Metaphysics of Morals) Kant argued that
bind us to the degree that we are part of a rational beings should never be viewed simply
community or society to which we owe an as a means to ends; they must also be viewed
obligation, we can not get out of the as ends themselves, demanding equal regard
categorical imperative and we can not opt out for their own logical motives.
of being moral agents.  This stems from Kant 's argument that reason
motivates morality: it allows us to value
4. UNIVERSALIZABILITY reason as motivation in all beings, including
 When anyone acts, it's a maxim, or a principle. others
For Kant, an act is only permissible if one can  Kant explained this by arguing that moral
have the principle that allows an action to be obligation is a logical necessity: that which is
the universal law by which everybody acts. logical is morally right.
  (3) Justice is concerned primarily with the
Kant's expounded five moral philosophies. nature of interpersonal relationships and not
with their substance.
 (1) The goodwill and duty where he described
it as one of a kind because it is always good  The first two concepts of justice of Kant
and maintain moral values. It is a moral include the voluntary ideals of benevolence
concept that freely seeks to use values for and charity, while justice concerns whether or
moral reasons. not we value the fair right of others to live
their lives as they see fit. T
 (2) Kant differentiate perfect and imperfect
duties. Perfect duties for Kant is always true  he third concept of justice illustrates a
and it is more important than imperfect situation, let say if Mr. A buys something from
duties. Telling the truth is an example of a a store, justice is served if the nature of the
perfect duty. partnership is voluntary.

 TAXATION IN THE PHILIPPINES THE RULES

 (3) Kant also made a distinction between EMBODIED UNDER THE LAW
categorical imperative and hypothetical
imperative. The categorical imperative for  Taxation policy in the Philippines is regulated
him is a rule of behavior that is unconditional primarily by the Constitution of the
or absolute for all agents or persons whose Philippines and the three Republic Acts.
truth or argument does not depend on any
purpose or end.  (1) Constitution: Article VI, Section 28 of the
 Conversely, a hypothetical imperative is a rule Constitution provides that "the rules of
of behavior relating to a person the idea that taxation shall be uniform and equal" and that
only if he or she desires a certain end and has "a democratic system of taxation shall be
decided to act on that desire. established by the Congress."
 In other words, in categorial imperative, the
action to be done does not depend on the  (2) National law National Internal Revenue
result or desire or not conditioned by desire. Code—enacted as Republic Act No. 8424 or
 however, in hypothetical imperative, the basis the Tax Reform Act of 1997 and subsequent
of the action to be done is what I want and laws amending it; most recently, the Law of
the means to get it. the Republic No. 10963 or the Law on Tax
 (4) Besides, universalizability is was set off by Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion was
Kant. The theory of universalizability centered amended
on the action to be acceptable or permissible,
this theory must be applied to all citizens  (3) Local laws: the major sources of revenue
without any contradictions. for local government units (LGUs) are taxes
 (5) Humanity as an end itself of Kant pointed imposed under the Republic Act No. 7160 or
out that a human intrinsic worth does not the Local Government Code of 1991 and those
depend on something else, it does not depend imposed on revenues levied under state law.
on whether a person loves his or her life or
makes other people's lives better.  (4) Taxes levied at national level are collected
by the Office of Internal Revenue ( BIR),
KANT’S PHILOSOPHY ON JUSTICE AND whereas those levied at local level ( i.e.
FAIRNESS provincial, city, municipal and barangay) are
 Kant’s corollary meaning of justice and collected by the Office of Internal Revenue
fairness are the following: ( BIR).
 (1) Justice involves external acts through
which an individual may directly or indirectly  Under the 1987 Philippine Constitution
influence others. mentioned above, “the rules of taxation shall
 (2) Justice does not affect the desires, wishes, be uniform and equal.” According to
or needs of others. LawDictionary.com, (2015) “Uniformity in
 taxation means equity in the burden of
taxation, which can not occur without From the definitions above of culture, several
uniformity in the mode of assessment as well characteristics were drawn:
as in the rate of taxation.  1. Culture is an analects of items with cultural
or historical interest.
 It must also be applied to all property subject  2. Culture is a remark of peoples’ choices and
to taxation so that all property can be taxed admiration of beauty.
alike and equally.  3. Culture is in harmony with the environment
and an individual has a role to play on it.
 On the other hand, equity is the principle that  4. Culture is wider in scope as it includes
taxes should be equal and should be based on beliefs, ideals, communication, language
the willingness of different individuals to pay, systems, behaviors, and commonality of
which is generally related to their income as people within a group.
stated in the Ideceoneline.com dictionary.  5. Culture embraces material objects that are
significant to a particular group or society.
MODULE 4: CULTURE  6. Culture is related to the social structure
 According to Kohak (1984), culture is at the and economic aspects of society.
root of human alienation from the  7. Culture is a combination of the skills,
environment. It's not just a compilation of talents, capacities, and artifices brought about
artifacts or reflection of people's preferences by a group of people to look at, relay
and appreciation of beauty. messages, and respond to the realities of
 He added that culture is derived from the social life.
Latin word, “cultus”, which means giving  8. Culture is the attributes and observation of
respect to the sacredness of all. a particular group of people which includes
 Originally, culture is not contrary to nature but language, religion, social behavior, etiquette,
is commonly accepted as a human being's role fashion, music, and arts.
in it.
THE INFLUENCES OF CULTURE IN MORAL
 Cole (2019) defined culture as a concept that DEVELOPMENT
refers to a broad and diverse collection of  Leano & Gubia-on (2018), Baring ( shared five
often intangible areas of social life. points in how culture influences the moral
 According to sociologists, culture consists of development of the people and these are the
ideals, beliefs, language systems, following:
communication, and behaviors that people  1. Culture is always social and communal by
have in common and that can be used to which the relationship of the people towards
describe them as a group. one another and their experience as people
 Culture also encompasses material objects are the culture’s meadow.
which are special to that community or  Culture is social and communal in character
society. where the people established and develop
 Culture is distinct from the social structure their relationships with each other and
and economic aspects of society, but it is learned from their experiences with them in
related to them both by educating and the community. Laws, norms, values, and
updating them on an ongoing basis. attitudes serve as a binding force to enhance
their relationships.
 Lederach, (1995) introduced culture as the  From that perspective then culture influence
collective knowledge and schemes generated the moral development of the members of
by a group of people to perceive, view, convey, the community.
and react to the social realities around them.  2. The culture defines the normative
 Zimmerman explicated (2017) culture as the principles and behaviors of society.
characteristics and awareness of a specific  This refers to the definition of the principles
community of people, including language, and behaviors to be maintained, preserved,
religion, food, social behavior, etiquette, and changed for the benefit and best interest
fashion, music, and the arts. of the members of the community.
 3. A culture, as best exemplified in the religious articles can be found in the
experience of the people, develops house. Every almost all religion, they go to
restrictions and sets boundaries and Church every Sunday and sometimes
limitations as they live and relate with one twice or three times a week.
another.
 The restrictions and boundaries will serve as 4. Filipinos are very respectful.
the protection and security of the members of Filipinos used po and opo, words that
the community. Laws, rules, principles, and usually at the end of the sentences when
norms will be the guidelines for the members addressing the elders. They also pay
of the respect to someone older than them
 community to behave accordingly, and if not through pagmamano which means raising
then they will be subject to the punishment or the backs of the hands of their elders to
sanction embedded in their culture. their forehands as a sign of respect.
 4. As culture helps in generating the character
and identity of its people, it also includes their 5. Filipinos help one another.
moral character. Filipinos are known to bayanihan or
 Culture shapes the character and identity of comunity spirit where everyone helps
the people in the community through the each other to make the task easier
norms, standards, rules, regulations, and laws without expecting in return.
 The authorities serve as the maker,
interpreter, and implementer of the laws, 6. Filipinos values traditions and culture.
rules, and regulations that they have in the Filipino traditions and culture are very
community. important for Filipinos. They spent time
on celebrations such as birthday parties,
 CHARACTERISTICS OF FILIPINO CULTURE reunions, festivals, etc. They dedicate
every gathering for continuing a good
Dumaraos (2018) expounded some of the relationship with each other even over
characteristics of the Filipinos that set them lavish food.
apart from any other culture and society:
1. The Filipino people are very resilient. 7. Filipinos have the longest Christmas
Despite the negative experience of the celebration.
Filipinos particularly during calamities and In the Philippines, Chrismas songs started
catastrophes, Filipinos able to manage to play in the malls, restaurants,
and handle a difficult situation lightly. respective homes from September and
They can still smile and always manage to last until the second week of January the
rise above the challenge. next year. They hang a parol and
assembling the Chrismas tree with the
2. Filipinos take pride in their families decoration of balls in different colors, toys,
Filipinos first and foremost priority is the and others. Children and adults, any
family. Thus, whether you are part of the generation are excited to sing Christmas
immediate family or you belong to the carols to every house. They have misa de
third and fourth generation you are gallo and noche buena for the celebration
cherished as a family member. Even the of Christmas with the family.
closest friends are regarded as a family
too. 8. Filipinos love art and architecture.
The gigantic and tall buildings everywhere
3. Filipinos are very religious. signify Filipinos creativity in art and
There are so many religions in the architecture. They love to design, think,
Philippines, nowadays, different and have a passion for aesthetic value
denominations and yet they value their which is unique and different.
beliefs. For the Roman Catholics, they pay 8. The Filipinos are hospitable people
their respect to the different cross, images The visitors whether foreigners or
of Sto. Nino, the Litte Christ, and other Filipinos are very much welcome for the
Filipinos during festivities and even no outside but Side-open or Close inside
occasions that when they arrive at the character (it's ok and best to receive
place, the Filipinos entertain them more than to share)
wholeheartedly. Offer the best food, 6. Kanya-kanya Syndrome
utensils, and the place to stay. The visitors Filipinos have self-serving attitude
will feel at home. that generates feeling of envy and
competitiveness towards others
WEKNESSES OF FILIPINO CHARACTER (status vs prestige). They have
1. Extreme Personalism personal ambition but insensitive to
The Filipinos always try to give an common will (people and own
interpretation of the actions or they country). There is also a crab
take things personally. They say thank mentality attitude (Hilahan and
you with "but" (compliment-criticism- Inggitan System)instead of being
compliment) happy to what are the
2. Extreme Family Centeredness accomplishments of others they try
The Filipinos have very high family to pull them down. Finally, they lack
protection whether in good or poor of appreciation resulting unhealthy
condition and circumstance competition.
(consentidor) (overprotected) 7. Lack of Self Analysis and Reflection
3. Lack of Discipline Filipinos are superficial and dreamy.
The Filipinos have a rather relaxed They lack self-evaluation and
attitude, but bad time management reflection of the situation.
(famous Filipino time). They are
impatient and unable to postpone
incentives or rewards. They want to Ps: (Mahal na mahal namin kayo
take shortcuts or the 'palusot' kaya pinag edit ko kayo)
scheme and careless.
4. Passivity and Lack of Initiative
They 're demanding someone's
accomplishment, so they're not
displaying the same flag just because
of race. They are rather complacent
(relax) but they often have a sense of
urgency. The Filipinos have a positive
personality, but a lack of self-
confidence and a deep desire to
achieve their goals.
Besides, they are too patient without
any plan (matiisin) "Bahala na
System"-no matter what, come what
may, at least we tried (paconsuelo)
attitude. They may have questions
and discussions or disagreement first,
rather than analyzing the situation
before planning and action.
5. Colonial Mentality
Filipinos have what we call patriotism
vs active awareness mentality. They
appreciate too much other nationality
and foreign products than native ones
(local vs imported) They even lack
love and appreciation for what they
have. Furthermore, they have Open