Many OFWs Won't Be Home For Christmas Thanks To The 1987 Constitution

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Ever heard of the song "I'll Be Home For Christmas"? Unfortunately, this is one song that many OFWs may wish that they can fulfill but aren't able to fulfill for their loved ones in the Philippines. This is no thanks to the OFW phenomenon. It's often sensationalized that OFWs are indeed the new heroes of the Philippines but that's not always the case. While some OFWs are indeed heroes who seek to make their families better but others are just Okay Fine Whatevers who remain poor in spite of having a huge salary.

The tragedy of "I'll not be home for Christmas" could have been greatly lessened if and if the 1987 Constitution didn't endorse the 60/40 rule. Let's take a short review to why the OFW phenomenon is happening. It's because of the economic protectionist policy makes the Philippines more dependent than independent from foreign governments. By limiting foreign ownership to 40% only and instilling in the minds of gullible Filipinos that economic protectionism works better than free trade and that foreign investors are foreign invaders then we have lesser opportunities for employment. The result of limiting foreign investment means that there's less opportunities for investment in the Philippines. It's killing job opportunities for Filipinos all in the name of "nationalism".

If some Filipinos think that their OFW loved ones can easily get a "Christmas break" from abroad then they're just dreaming. It won't be easy or it's going to be impossible for this reason. Wherever an OFW is they're subject to the rules and regulations of that country. That means OFWs can't appeal to their Filipino citizenship to get a Christmas break. This would have been different if Filipinos were working for a foreign boss in the Philippines. Foreign investors in the Philippines are subject to Filipino laws and regulations in doing businesses even if they get a bigger share between them and the Filipino partner. That means they must respect Filipino laws if they expect to continue doing business in the Philippines.

Lastly, it's time to ask this question to those reading this post and they're against the idea of economic liberalization. If you're still against economic liberalization for a better Philippines then it's time to ask this question. Are you still willing to spend more Christmases in the Philippines while your loved ones have to be abroad away from you? If you're just getting drunk this Christmas Eve from OFW remittances and say you're fine with it as long as you get drunk then shame on you. They want to spend Christmas with you yet they can't no thanks to economic protectionism.