I agree with Theveed: the change should start from within each Filipino. But even if change is "the only constant thing in this world", for a lot of people it is the hardest thing to do.

I'll also confirm what Mazda2 had said: a lot of countries in Africa are in a deeper hole than we are. I know...I've visited a number of them already. Same goes for some countries in Eastern Europe. A couple of countries in LatAm, the same boat.

No matter who our leader would be, whether he/she has the grit and character of Winston Churchill, the intelligence and leadeship of Lee Kwan Yew or the spiritual depth of the Dalai Lama, if we ourselves do not commit to change, then we would be stuck in this quagmire for decades to come.

We are like some of the tribes that I had visitied in Africa: we see the mistakes, faults, dirt, and ugliness of the other tribe....even though we do not se ours. While generally Filipinos are friendly, hospitable and happy people, most of us are an undisciplined bunch.

But I'm a person who believes that hope springs eternal. So, I have a firm conviction that we will rise someday, mabye not during my time...but in the time of my children or their children.

Don't loose hope. Be like a flower in the desert: though it will not rain for months, the lowly flower knows that rain would come someday...