Philippines & Islam

Pajamas Media blogger has historical picture of Filipinos relationship with Muslims.
Growing up in Bohol, Moros are indifferent Filipinos. Filipinos nonetheless like land based Ifugaos in Luzon. Sea based and head chopper culture develop the last couple of decades.
Part 2 of exclusive Pajamas Media column here
Many Filipino Muslims interacts with Christian Filipinos today. Culturally and spiritually, they don't assimilate well. But, Christian Filipinos tolerated them until they started chopping heads.
Most Filipinos, Christian or Muslim living in the Philippines, freedom in their hearts and minds are limited. Limited by family traditions, myopic view in education and trade and exchange anxiety.

Freedom! Freedom! Freedom! for Filipinos...

just released Economic Freedom Index from Heritage Foundation
Least freedom Filipinos enjoy is Freedom from Corruption...
Nearby Hongkong is number one on the Freedom Index...

More Freedom, please, for prosperity...

Freedom from excessive local and national government regulation!
just released Economic Freedom Index from Heritage Foundation

The economy of the Philippines is 57.4 percent free, according to our 2007 assessment, which makes it the world's 97th freest economy.

Investment Freedom - 30.0%
The Philippines maintains barriers to many foreign investments. Two negative lists restrict both foreign investment and the ability of foreigners to practice in numerous sectors. Unofficial barriers, like high levels of corruption, also impede foreign investment. The mining sector is now open to 100 percent foreign-owned companies. Both residents and non-residents may hold foreign exchange accounts, although non-residents may do so only with foreign currency deposits or proceeds from conversions of property in the Philippines. Payments, capital transactions, and transfers are subject to numerous restrictions, controls, quantitative limits, and authorizations.
Property Rights - 30.0%
The Philippine judicial system enforces the law weakly. Judges are supposed to be independent, but several are corrupt, having been appointed strictly for political reasons. Organized crime is a strong deterrent to the administration of justice.
Freedom from Corruption - 25.0%
Corruption is perceived as widespread. The Philippines ranks 117th out of 158 countries in Transparency International's Corruption Perceptions Index for 2005.

In everything there's a reason...

Same reason 80% of Filipinos remain Roman Catholic, same reason Filipinos who remain in the Philippines are 80% socialist and 20% capitalist

Dr. or Mr. Jacinto, you are doing the right thing...

Adam Smith wrote in The Wealth of Nations that man only intends his own security and by doing so, produce the greatest value for all. 'By pursuing his own interest he frequently promotes that of the society more effectually than when he really intends to promote it.'
Good luck and God speed...
Filipino doctors working as nurses in the US. News article here.