Ethics vs.

Profit

A large American company participates in a highly competitive industry. To meet

the competition and achieve profit goals, the company has chosen the decentralized form of
organization. Each manager of a decentralized center is measured on the basis of profit
contribution, market penetration, and return on investment. Failure to meet the objectives
established by corporate management for these measures is not accepted and usually
results in demotion or dismissal of a center manager.

An anonymous survey of managers in the company revealed that they felt pressured
to compromise their personal ethical standards to achieve the corporate objectives. For
example, certain plant locations felt the pressure to reduce quality control to a level that
could not ensure that all unsafe products would be rejected. Also, sales personnel were
encouraged to use questionable sales tactics to obtain orders, including offering gifts and
other incentives to purchasing agents.

The chief executive officer is disturbed by the survey findings. In his opinion, the
company cannot condone such behavior. He concludes that the company should do
something about this problem.

Questions:

1. What are the ethical problems mentioned in this particular case and what are the
probable causes of these problems?

Answer: Sudden changes in the organizations unplanned change usually occurs

because of a major, sudden surprise to the organization, which causes its members to
respond in a highly reactive and disorganized fashion. Instead, planned change tends to
occur in more of a chaotic and disruptive fashion than expected by participants. And
difficulty to adapt the area of the environment which causes termination or dismissal of
managers or employees and lose of the companies’ market profit.

2. Is it alright to do something illegal or unethical to maintain the company’s image and

profitability?

Answer: You can make money without doing evil. The company should always
remember their mission and vision. The company should always think about their
corporate responsibility and it will always reflect on the image of the company. If the
company or the business is taking care of its clients and prospective clients by
 delivering good products or service and developing excellent content, they will like the
organization. Once this happens, they will happily take out the check books when you
have something to offer them. The company should focus on giving to receive much
more in the end.

3. If you are CEO of the company, what would you do and why?

Answer: It’s easy to get in trap of constantly focusing on how we can make money with our
business. If I am the CEO of the company, I will not only focus on the money but to make
sure how I am going to keep my clients and to find ways how I am going to keep them
patronizing the service and product of the company. As A CEO, I should think about also my
employees and to respect their own personal ethical standards. I will strategize to balance.

Friendship in business

Asia Pacific Sugar and sweets manufacturing company ordered molasses from
Philippine –Hawaiian, International Sugarcane incorporated on November 5, 2000.When
the time for payment came. Asia Pacific Sugar and Sweets Manufacturing Company was not
ready to pay due to tight financial crisis it was experiencing. Mr. Rolando Gutierrez, the
manager of the said company is a friend of Mr. Frederick Dy, the owner of the Philippine-
Hawaiian International Sugarcane Incorporated. He talked with Mr. Dy and asked him if it
was all right for the payment to be delayed. For friendship`s sake, Mr. Dy agreed. It was only
20 days afterwards that the buyer offered to pay. The seller accepted the overdue account
and started delivering the molasses. Upon receiving the second shipment, the production
manager of Asia Pacific Sugar and Sweets Manufacturing Company reported to Mr.
Gutierrez that the molasses did not meet the indicated quality in the invoice. Mr. Gutierrez
ordered the molasses to be returned. Enclosed in the invoice was a memorandum citing the
reasons why it was returned. This action enraged Mr. Dy. Immediately, he canceled the
contract and argued that the delay of payment was a form of “breach of contract “.

Questions:
1. Was the action of Mr. Dy to cancel the contract legally correct and morally justified?

Answer: As a student who studying BSBA and have as I had understood I think Mr. Dy
action is it is clear Mr. Dy agreed. Mr. Dy cannot argue that the delinquency of Mr.
Gutierrez is breach of contact. It also doesn’t justify that they can send defective and of
low-quality products. They should honor the agreement to let Mr. Gutierrez pay later. It
is also Mr. Dy’s decision, so he cannot blame anyone for his actions. On the first place,
he shouldn’t just agree with Mr. Gutierrez because they were if that’s what he will do.
These sorts of actions will reflect to the way they are doing business, and also bring a
dent to their friendship.

2. Is it appropriate to extend friendship in business transactions? Why or why not?

Discuss your answer.

Answer: If were one of them I would rather not to extend friendship in business
transactions. It is because of the concept that a business has a different identity with
the owners. Being friends with costumers, suppliers, and other partners of the
organization can mean bias and self-interest. Doing business with these presents can
only lead to chaos. It may affect their business and also their relationships in case deals
doesn’t go smoothly.
Expired Gravy

Mang Toot`s fast-food chain has been known in the business not just only for its
great tasting food and excellent service also for its great tasting food and excellent service
but also for its cleanly prepared dishes. One day, Emong, a service crew of Mang Toot`s
Makati Branch, was preparing the gravy. He was unaware that the starch he used was
already expired. He only noticed it after some time and the gravy had already been served
to some customers. Knowing that it might cause harm to the customers, he immediately
told Bartolome, the branch manager, about it. Bartolome told Emong not to tell anyone
about it, besides, no one is complaining.

Questions:

1. What is the moral issue in the case?

Answer: In this case, the manage decided not to tell to anyone about the expired gravy. He
didn’t even do anything about it, he didn’t make any step to solve this problem. Bartolome,
the manager should be aware of the harm that it can cause, he should be aware of the
health of every customers.

2. If you were Bartolome, what are you going to do?

Answer: If I were Bartolome, I should stop serving the expired gravy. I will talk to Emong
and tell if there is someone complain about the gravy, make a sincere apologize and give
them new foods to eat.

Shared IT Secrets

When employee Eric Pantaleon quit his job in 1995. IT Systems, his company, paid
little attention. Pantaleon was one of the several customer-service representatives of the
Laguna, Philippine-based computer company, and the turnover of responsibilities in the
department wasn`t smooth. Following an uneventful exit interview with human resources
officials, Pantaleon left the company to start a job with IT rival, Sampo Computer, also based
in Laguna.

It might have ended there. But when Pantaleon`s new employer began taking away
ITs market share, its top management started to be alarmed. After some checking, IT
learned that Pantaleon was using inside knowledge of IT`s customer lists to make sales.
Company officials also suspected he might be relying on IT`s customer specification and
repair manuals.

Questions:

1. Is keeping “trade secrets “still an ethical issue in the age of globalization and
advanced communications technology?

Answer: Yes. It is still an ethical issue especially in the age of globalization and
advanced communications technology. Trade secret or intellectual property is
confidential information which allows a business to have a competitive edge over
their competition. In conclusion to that statement, people may use this trade secret
for their own personal interest which may lead to unfair competition or business.
Also the one who use this intellectual property may be affected in terms of trust and
loyalty to its company and business.

2. Is Pantaleon`s action unethical, e.g., using the customer list of his previous company
for his new company? Why or why not? Discuss your answer.

Answer: Pantaleon’s action particularly using the costumer’s list of his previous
company for his new company is indeed unethical. Being an employee on a certain
company you should possessed fundamental principles on yourself. You should
know what are the things that must be do and not.
Pantaleon’s action lead him to violate an ethical behavior of every employee.
This ethical behavior violated by Pantaleon pertains to the respect of confidentiality
of information he acquired during his employment in the IT system. He should not
use or disclose any such information without proper and specific authority obtain
from his previous company which is the IT system.
Confidentially is not only a matter of disclosure of information. The
information such as the IT system’s trade secrets and costumer lists he acquired
during his stay on his previous company shall neither use nor appear to use that
information for personal advantage or for the benefit for third party. The unethical
 action of Pantaleon even though benefited him at first is still have a negative impact
or on himself. It will affect his credibility as an employee because he no longer be
trustworthy enough on the eyes of other businesses that knew what he did.

3. If you were Pantaleon, would you also do the same thing as he did? Why or why not?
Justify your answer.
Answer: If were Pantaleon, I will not do the same thing as he did because I do not
want to be successful in the life in an unethical or unjust way. Every human being
have a morality which indicates that we all know what is right or wrong. I know that
using other people just for yourself to have benefits is a very wrong attitude. We
must be sensitive enough to know which, what or who to respect in order for us to
be respected too. The confidential information by other person you knew is one of
the many things you should respect.
Why? Simply because it is not yours and you are not the only one who invest
time and effort just to come up with that information. Even though I will surely
benefit at first, I know that this benefit will not last long and there are consequences
that I will face later on. So I’d rather start from the bottom, doing all my very best
without using other people to be successful in life than to be on top immediately but
have an immoral and unethical behavior.

The Confused Accountant

Yvonne Pillar is a young accountant who came from a poor family. She was recently
hired by a big company called Chameleon Co.

When it was time to audit the accounting books of the company, Yvonne was
instructed by her boss to manipulate the numbers in order to reduce the taxes the company
will have to pay the government. The company official said that if she would not heed the
command, she would be terminated.
 The employment condition that time was really tight and the chance of finding
another job is very minimal.

Questions:

1. If you were Yvonne Pillar, will you obey your boss? Why or why not?
Answer: No, on basis of the heavier grounds of consequences that will happen,
these are the following reasons: First, If I obey my boss. I may be caught by the
Special Investigators of the BIR and go to jail; Second, if I go to jail, I cannot support
the needs of our family; Third, my licensed may be suspended or even worse, loose
my title as a CPA; and last, even if I will be terminated, there’s still hope in finding
another job with that very minimal chance and I will have clean conscience and still
have my principles and integrity, that I can held my head up high , that I can be
proud of myself that I did the right thing , and that this is one character that I can
pass on to our next generation.

2. Are you morally obligated to follow an order that is illegal?

Answer: Of course, I’m NOT obligated to follow an illegal order simply because it is
not good and if it’s not good, then it’s unaccepted in the society and by illegal,
meaning it is against the law it is these law that make our society in order

3. Explain the moral implications of the military slogan; “Obey the first before you
complain.”
Answer: The itself says that we need to obey every word and every command that
our officials, if we continue to follow command we gain their trust, and respect to
them, it also gain us good relationship with them. But this slogan is not always
applicable to ethics. For me I we follow this slogan we should think of the possitive
and the negative effect of this rule.
The Immoral Video Shop

Mr. Jun Quesadilla owns a video shop in manila. His store has a wide variety of
original VCDs and DVDs which he gets from a legal source and approved by the Videogram
Regulatory Board. He has all the legal papers and permits to operate this type of business.
However, Mr. Jun Quesadilla has a secret room in his store which he uses to avoid the
authorities. The room contains all the latest titles of pirated VCDs and DVDs, including X-
rated tapes. He also uses another selling strategy to make more money by telling customers
that the VCDs and DVDs they want to rent are “reserved” and he would only give this to
them if they would only give this to them if they would rent them for a higher price.

Questions:

1. Is it right to sell pirated VCDs, DVDs and X-rated tapes in the shadow of a certificate
video shop? Briefly explain why.
Answer: First, it is illegal and not right to sell pirated VCDs, DVDs and X-rated
tapes because this will have a bad effect in the Entertainment Industries specially
producers and artist. IF the selling of pirated will continue the entertainment
industry will fall down and cannot produced quality videos, audios, or movies.

2. In your own opinion, would you patronized pirated CDs and DVDs which are
cheaper than the original ones because it is more economical? Why or why not?
Answer: Yes, because the DVD’s are purchased through a supplier who has the
machine that copies DVD’s split of a second. Selling pirated DVD’s is really good
business. There is always a market for cheap items of comparable quality with the
real. But also it depends on a person because it has advantage and disadvantages.
Mr. X

Mr. X is a graduating student. He is aware that he has an exam in math the following
day. Yet he plans to do the usual: Partying all night long with his friends. Mr. X is a born
partygoer; he never liked the idea of studying. He also a born cheat, surviving all the
difficult examinations by cheating.

“We don’t need to review! Look bro, I’m about to graduate without having to study
anything since first year!” he boasted to his friends when they told him that they needed to
prepare for their math exam. True to his words, Mr. X didn’t review even if his friends did.
He instead prepared a kodigo. “Cheating is bad if you’re caught,” Mr. X thought, “That is, if
my teacher can catch me.” The following day his class took the exam the exam. And he did
as expected. His kodigo was helping him well, too well that he did not notice his teacher
approaching him from the back. Mr. X was caught cheating, “Sir, I’m not cheating, I’m just
reading my notes, “the teary-eyed Mr. X would later explain.

Questions:

1. Is Mr. X guilty of cheating? Why or why not? Explain your answer.

Answer: For me, Mr. X was guilty because even though he was caught while he
cheats, he defends his self by saying lies to his teacher.

2. What is the aggravating circumstance of Mr. X’s act that will increase his moral
culpability?
Answer: More things can be worst if Mr. X continues lying. His teacher can send him
to the principal’s office because he made a major offense in school or he can be
expelled to the school.
Jack and Poy

It was Poy’s first time to be in manila, and to be at five-star hotel, thanks to his
balikbayan friend, Jack. For Poy, the experience was truly breathtaking. Things were truly
unlike anything he has seen in his hometown: the food, the room, and most especially the
escalators and elevators, “It’s like magic, the stairs move up and down without people
moving them!” he once exclaimed. When the day came for Jack and Poy to return to their
beloved town, they waited at the hotel lobby while their room was being checked for
missing items.

After a few moments, the hotel manager approached them saying,”Sir, I think we’ve
got a problem, ”he tactfully informed Jack. “Two pillowcases and one blanket are missing. I
think, you two need to pay for them.” Jack indignantly that the hotel manager to check the
room again. “We are not thieves!” Jack complained. “But we have checked your room several
times already,” the hotel manager protested. “If you cannot pay for the missing items, I’m
afraid we may need to check your baggage.” “Fine, help yourself,” Jack retorted. The hotel
manager was about to open their baggage, when Poy stopped him, ” Wait! Okay! I’ve got the
pillowcases and the blanket,” Poy admitted, “Sir, your honor, I am very sorry, I thought I
could bring them home with me… You know, as some sort of souvenir?” Poy explained in
tears.

[Cases were taken from the book Moral Philosophy (2004) by A. Articulo, Quezon City:
Great Book Publishing, pp. 176-178]

Questions:

1. Is Poy guilty of stealing? Why or why not? Discuss your answer.

 Answer: Yes, Poy was guilty of stealing the pillowcases and blankets because he
took something that he does not own, hence, it is very basic teaching that getting or
taking anything from anyone, anywhere, which we do not own is bad, unless one ask
permission in getting, taking or borrowing it. About the coercion, it is not a sufficient
reason because the act itself was wrong. Being “bariotic” or ignorant is not an
excuse. The act done by Poy was wrong, and it is impossible for the hotel to not have
a policy posted saying that getting their utilities or equipment is forbidden.

2. Is coercion a sufficient reason to excuse a person from moral liability? Discuss your
answer.
Answer: Coercios is defined as the practice of persuading someone to do
something by using force or threats. In any circumtances it is not a sufficient reason
to excuse a person from moral liability because human beings are born with free and
voluntary acts. We always responsible for every action that we perform. Man as a
rational being has been gifted with rationally and freedom of will.

Golden Taurus Garment Company

Golden Taurus is a garment company managed by a Taiwanese national. The

company is experiencing near bankruptcy because of the current strikes of its employees’
union. The management attributes the current difficulty in the company’s financial
condition to labor unrest. Eva Wu, the owner, has experienced being bullied and received
several death-treats.

Some of the issues raised by the employees against the management are the below
minimum wage salaries. Also, employees do not get their 13 th month pay even if the law
entitles every employee regardless of employment status. Also, employees are asked to sign
a five-month contract, which excludes them from getting the year-end bonus. Per company
policy, only those employed with six - months employment contract can get the year-end
bonus.

Long working hours and less break time add to the complaints of the employees.
Working hours start at seven in the morning and end at six in the evening. Break time in the
morning is from the 10:00 to 10:15 and none in the afternoon. Employees can eat their
lunch between 12:45 and 1:00 which gives them only a fifteen-minute lunch break.

Employees are also concerned with violation of contract. Sewers are given quota
which is against the agreed per piece basis. They are also troubled with the poor working
conditions and the inadequate supply of water for their personal hygiene in the restroom.

Without the knowledge of employees, Golden Taurus filed a bankruptcy status, and
later operated under a new company name.

Questions:

1. Does the company’s current financial condition justify the compensation given to the
employees? Explain.
Answer: No, the company’s current financial condition does not justify the
compensation given to employees. I think once an employee signs a contact, the
compensation included in the statement should be given. Whether the company is
experiencing a bankruptcy or not, it has the liability to give its employees an
appropriate compensation.

2. Is it ethical to deny the employees the information about the company’s financial
conditions and decisions?
Answer: No, it is not ethical to deny the employees the information about the
company’s financial conditions and decisions because employees has the right to
know some issues of the company, they are working in order for them to work
efficiently and effectively. On the other hand, the company has the responsibility to
disclose some of its trade secrets to its employees for them to know their limitations
in doing their job. Employees have its place as one of the key contributors in the
success of the operation of a company; therefore, they should be given appropriate
information regarding the conditions of the company and decisions of the
management.

3. Is it moral to let the employees sign a five-month contract instead of a six-month

contract?
Answer: For me, it is moral to sign a 5- month contract instead of the 6- month
contract as long as the employee read the content before him sign the agreement.
The reason for this is to avoid expectations from both parties (i.e. SSS premiums,
13th month pay, year- end bonus and overtime pay).
XYZ Cement Company

In 1982, XYZ Cement Company began its plant operation in Pampanga. Local
residents were very happy because of the economic benefits they got from the plant
especially the 400 local residents employed. After a few years of operations, the plant
started to emit large volumes of population. Local residents noticed the constant vibration
and loud noise coming from the plant.

Local residents filed a suit against the company asking the court to issue an
injunction to close the plant. The residents claimed that the loud noise and the vibrations
posed dangers to their health and damaged their property.

The company was using the best available technology in their operation. The court
refused to issue the injunction arguing that closing the plant would mean more harm than
good to both parties. The court instead ruled that the XYZ should pay the residents a one-
time fee to compensate them for the damages done. The amount was computed based on
the fair market price the residents would receive if they were inclined and able to rent their
property.

Questions:

1. Was the decision of the court fair? Why or why not?

Answer: No, the decision seemed willing treat health as deserving no greater legal
protection than economic interests. It also ignored the environmental interests of the
general public by considering only the claims of people living near the plant. The
decision also effectively coerced the property owners by giving them the choice either to
rent their property to the company at a price established by the court, or to suffer the
consequences without any compensation. Finally, this decision amount to granting the
company a license to pollute with little or no incentive to improve its pollution control
technology. As long as the company is willing to pay a fee established by the
government, and as long as it uses the best technology available at the time the plant
was built, it is free to pollute the air and harm its neighbors.

2. If you were the owner of the cement plant, what will you do to solve the problem?
Answer: If I were the owner I will try to eliminate the nuisance. I will conduct a
research and develop a solution to the problem and if no technical improvements
will occur, I’ll shut down the plant.
 3. Discuss the cost and benefits of the case from the perspective of the principle of
utilitarianism?
Answer: The court chose the benefit of paying of damages which is smaller in
amount than the cost of closing the plant. Although the plant produces air pollution
and causes both property damages and health issues and it has been identified as
harmful, still , they chooses this option because they think that there is no universal
remedy for the air pollution.

The Asarco Company

The Asarco Company was foundry for copper in Tacoma, Washington. People used to
talk of the “Tacoma aroma” when referring to the foul smell emitted by Asarco’s giant
chimneys. The company’s activities however, did not just produce bad smell. Worse, they
also released a notably high amount of arsenic.

In the ‘70s the company had invested more than $40 million in an attempt to reduce
the arsenic emission. But in 1983, the agency for environmental protection told the
company that the law demanded that they reduce the emission of arsenic by at the very
least, 25% Arsenic is carcinogenic. The agency estimated that the arsenic emission of the
company led to four lung cancer cases a year. The new restriction was aimed at reducing
this figure to the probability of just one case yearly.

Questions:

1. What is the ethical issue in the case?

Answer: They didn’t obey the rules that can harm others. They should know their
limitations for avoiding this kind of problems because our health is important and if
 we can get disease from that company, they should not continue their transaction. As
long as they didn’t know how to care for other’s safety.

2. If you are the president of Asarco Company, what would you do and why?
Answer: If I’m the president of Asarco company I will follow their rules and
regulations. And it is my responsibility to handle those kinds of issues. There’s
nothing wrong about handling business as long as you don’t harm others. Just know
our limitations and always obey the rules

3. Discuss the ethical implications of the case using the utilitarian principle.

Silverstar Chemical Company

Silverstar Chemical Company’s new president, Mr. David Santos, has learned that for
the past four years the company has been dumping its industrial waste into the local river
and falsifying reports to authorities about the levels of suspected cancer-causing materials
in that waste. The plant manager says that there is no proof that the waste can cause cancer
and there are only few fishing villages within a hundred kilometers downriver. If the
company has to treat the substance to neutralize its potentially injurious effects and then
transport it to a legal dumpsite, the company’s operating costs would rise to a level that
might make the firm uncompetitive. If the company loses its competitive advantage, 10,000
local employees could become unemployed and the town’s economy might collapse.
Questions:

1. What is the ethical dilemma that Mr. Santos, the company president, is facing?
Answer: Mr. Santos facing the company’s transaction when it comes on waste. If re
disagree many of the employees would be unemployed because the company might
not be a given a chance to operate cause of not knowing how to transact the waste
property.
2. Why is environmental pollution a moral issue?
3. Cite three other ethical issues that we can find in this case.

Prudence Comes with Fortitude

The pain reliever medicine, Analgesia-T manufactured by CPC Company, is a well-

known analgesic known to provide relief from pain and serves as a palliative to people
worldwide. However, in the early 1980s, several persons died after taking capsules of the
well-known medicine. It was found out, that the medicines contained cyanide, a highly
poisonous, white crystalline element accidentally mixed with the medicines because of
factory defect. The sister company of CPC, the Jackson Company took the initiative and
without delay, made steps to resolve the problem. It readily ordered the retrieval of the
product from the market. Be that as it may, the company lost about $100 million dollars by
recalling more than 31 million bottles of Analgesia-T. The Jackson Company made all efforts
to launch an information campaign in order to allay the fears of the consumers. The
company ran a continuous media campaign and a toll-free customer care hotline. Millions
of capsules were tested by reliable agencies, and the company offered to reimburse the
amount of the medicines thrown away by the customers. Even the company president made
an appearance on television in an effort to assure customers that the company has taken
several steps to ensure that the medicines reach them safe and free of poison. The company
likewise pioneered in introducing the tamper-proof medicine seal that has become the
standard in the pharmaceutical industry, most of which now has “tamper resistant for your
protection” printed on its blister packs. Of all of these actions, the means of recalling the
medicines from the market has been the most effective action taken by the Jackson
Company. It may have lost millions of dollars, but the attention gave the consumers and it’s
employees across the world a clear indication of how the company upholds its doctrine,
“that they are primarily responsible for their customers.” It is this credo that made them
believe that they have taken the best actions necessary. And truly, after only two months
since the crisis, the company was able to recover 80 percent sales of the medicine.

Questions:

1. Why do you think it is important for the Jackson Company to hold on to its credo?
2. The actions taken by the Jackson Company support many areas of corporate social
responsibility. What are these?
3. What other suggestions can you give the Jackson Company in order to assist its
sister company CPC?

Where Is After-Sales Service?

Spidermart is a shop in Celia’s neighborhood. It is well-known for being very

spacious,well supplied and for its enticing advertisement. Celia bought a shower nozzle at
the store was assured by the salesman that despite the product’s being quite expensive,
Celia got more value for her money because the product is guaranteed to last a lifetime and
was imported from one of the largest sanitary product manufacturers in the world.
However, when Celia’s plumber was installing the nozzles, he discovered that the nozzles
were defective. The plumber shower her the newly installed nozzles and she saw how the
water kept gushing out from the wrong places even if they were properly installed. She was
convinced that it is a factory defect so she went back to Spidermart and told the salesman
about it. The salesman would not believe her story but Celia insisted until the store
manager was summoned. The manager sided with the salesman right away and kept
convincing Celia that it must be because of wrong installation. The commotion then
resulted to Celia claiming that the shop was only violating its catchphrase and that she had
been deceived. The manager still maintained not to replace the defective nozzles. Celia told
her friends about it and one of them suggested that she raise this issue to the Customers’
Union. The Consumers’ Union met with the director of Spidermart and warned that they
will publicize the issue if the shop will not do anything about the matter. The shop director,
out of fear of having the issue blown out of proportion by the Consumers’ Union, agreed to
have the nozzles replaced. Only then was the issue resolved.

Questions:

1. In what instances in the case were violations of corporate social responsibility

evident?
2. Was it right for the store manager to immediately side with the salesman? Why or
why not? Justify your answer.
3. Celia’s case may only be one of the many unpleasant episodes that happened and
remained uninvestigated at Spidermart. Replacing the defective nozzles does not
totally resolved the core of the matter as the Consumers’ Union has given
Spidermart a warning and many customers may suddenly come out in the open
upon hearing the news about the case of Celia. As a shop director, what are the next
steps that you must do?

The Bank Depositor

A depositor entered into a trust agreement with a commercial bank under clear and
certain terms that it would carry an interest at a net rate of 8.6%. The branch manager of
the bank assured him that his deposit amounting to P1 million is very safe, income-
generating, and the income derived is tax free. However, he was not furnished a single piece
of documents except the official receipt for P1 million. The trust agreement which the
branch manager made him sign in blank was given to him only after he made stern demand
for copies of documents relative to his deposit. He was not informed in what manner his
money is being used by the bank, making him believe that it is just an ordinary deposit.
Even the Trust Agreement did not name who the beneficiary of the alleged trust will be. But
while the copies of the documents given to him do not bear his conformity, those filed with
the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) have his alleged signature.
 The depositor is demanding the return of P1 million from the commercial bank
where he placed the amount under a trust agreement. The depositor, through his lawyer,
filed letters of complaint with the Department of Thrift Bank and Non-Bank Financial
Institutions of BSP. No action has been taken despite the lapse of more than one month
except for the informal talk with the Department’s Lawyer who told the complainant that
the bank has answered the initial complaint.

To date, however, the complainant has not been furnished copy of such reply. This,
allegedly, gives the depositor the notion that the erring bank enjoys the protection of some
BSP officials.

Questions:

1. What moral principle is being violated in this case? Is the action, implementation or
performance of the branch manager and the officials from BSP in accordance with
their duties? Did they carry out their functions uprightly and morally?
2. What is the moral implication of this case to the banking and finance industries?

Big Mak Burger

McDonald’s Corporation (McDonald’s) sued L.C Big Mark Burger, Inc. for trademark
infringement and unfair competition by “Big Mak” due to colorable imitation on the
signages, wrappers, and containers of its registered “Big Mac” mark for the same food
products.

Big Mak appealed the case. But the final decision of the court favored McDonald’s.

There exist some distinctions between the names “B[ig] M[ac]” and “B[ig] M[ak]” as
appearing in the respective signages, wrappers and containers of the food products of the
parties. The infringement goes beyond the physical features of the questioned name and
the original name. There are still other factors to be considered. Applying the dominacy
test, the Court finds the respondent’s use of the “Big Mak” mark results in likelihood of
confusion. First, “Big Mak” sounds exactly the same as “Big Mac.” Second, the first word “Big
Mak,” is exactly the same as the first word in “Big Mac.” Third, the first two letters in “Mak”
are the as the two letters in “Mac.” Fourth, the last letter in “Mak” while a “k” sounds the
same as “c” when the word “Mac” is pronounced. Fifth, in Filipino, the letter “k” replaces “c”
in spelling, thus “Caloocan” is spelled “Kalookan.”

Furthermore, the respondents’ inability to explain sufficiently how and why they
came to choose “Big Mak” for their humburger sandwiches indicates their intent to imitate
petitioners’ “Big Mac” mark. Contrary to the Court of Appeals’ finding, respondents’ claim
that their “Big Mak” mark was inspired by the first names of respondent Dy’s mother
(Maxima) and father (Kimsoy) is not credible. For one, he could have put his father’s name
ahead of his mother’s, as is usually done in this patriarchal society, and derived letters from
said names an that order. Or, he could have taken an equal number of letter (e.g.,two) from
each name, as is the more usual thing done, the more plausible behind respondents’ choice
of the word “Mak.”

Under Section 23, in relation to Section 29 of RA 166, a plaintiff who successfully

maintains trademark infringement and unfair competition claims is entitled to injunctive
and monetary relief. Here, the RTC’s decision was upheld in issuing the injunction as of
August 1990 (made permanent in its Decision of 5 September 1994) and in ordering the
payment of P400,000 actual damages in favor of petitioners, exemplary damages of
P100,000 plus attorney’s fees and litigation expenses. The injunctive writ is indispensable
to prevent further acts of infringement by the respondent’s corporation. Also, the amount
of actual damages is reasonable percentage (11.9%) of respondent corporation’s gross
sales for three (1988-1989 to 1991) of the six years (1984-1990) respondents have used
the “Big Mak” mark.

Questions:

1. Why is unfair competition also unethical and not just illegal?

Answer: Unfair competition is all-throughout an unethical practice because this
restricts healthy competition that would generate innovation and other services.
Moreover, it is illegal because it skirts various trade laws and prevents the
government to collect the proper taxes, which will be used in several government
social programs and projects for the people.

2. Research and comment on R.A. 8293 (IPC) on Registration of Trademarks and

Service Marks. Cite some reasons why a mark cannot be registered.

a. TRADEMARK, SERVICEMARKS & TRADE NAME

LEGAL DEFINITION OF TRADEMARK: (SECTION 121.1)"Mark" means any

visible sign capable of distinguishing the goods (trademark) or services
 (service mark) of an enterprise and shall include a stamped or marked
container of goods.

LEGAL DEFINITION OF TRADE NAME: (SETION 121.3)

"Trade name" means the name or designation identifying or

distinguishing an enterprise.

b. TRADEMARK RIGHTS THROUGH REGISTRATION & USE

The rights in a mark shall be acquired through registration

m a d e v a l i d l y i n accordance with the provisions of this law. (SECTION 122)

The applicant or the registrant shall file a declaration of actual use of the mark
with evidence to that effect, as prescribed by the Regulations within three (3)
years from the filing date of the application. Otherwise, the application shall
be refused or the mark shall be removed from the Register by the Director.
(Section 124)

NON-USE OF MARK, WHEN EXCUSED (Section 152)

Non-use of a Mark When Excused. — 152.1. Non-use of a mark may be

excused if caused by circumstances arising independently of the will of the
trademark owner. Lack of funds shall not excuse non-use of a mark.

152.2. The use of the mark in a form different from the form in which it is
registered, which does not alter its distinctive character, shall not be ground for
cancellation or removal of the mark and shall not diminish the protection
granted to the mark.

152.3. The use of a mark in connection with one or more of the goods or
services belonging to the class in respect of which the mark is registered
shall prevent its cancellation or removal in respect of all other goods or
services of the same class.
 152.4. The use of a mark by a company related with the registrant or applicant
shall inure to the latter's benefit, and such use shall not affect the validity of
such mark or of its registration: Provided, that such mark is not used in
such manner as to deceive the public. If use of a mark by a person is
controlled by the registrant or applicant with respect to the nature and
quality of the goods or services, such use shall inure to the benefit of the
registrant or applicant. (n)

c. TRADEMARK RIGHTS THROUGH ASSIGNMENTS

An application for registration of a mark, or its registration, may be

assigned or transferred with or without the transfer of the business using the
mark. (n) (Section149)

d. EXCEPTION: Such assignment or transfer shall, however, be null and

void if it is l i a b l e t o m i s l e a d t h e p u b l i c , p a r t i c u l a r l y a s
r e g a r d s t h e n a t u r e , s o u r c e , manufacturing process, characteristics,
or suitability for their purpose, of the goods or services to which the mark is
applied.
Fair Wage?

CHEHOMA Corporation has been operating for almost 10 years now. After five years
of operation, it started borrowing money from the bank yearly to keep its business going.
Due to the global crisis and the weakening of the Philippine economy, the company failed to
pay its debts to the bank. Because of this situation, the bank issued the company a letter of
notice telling the company that if it fails to pay its debts, or at least the interest, within a
year, the bank will have no choice but to take over the company. Consequently, the company
was forced to act on it. It decided to cut down its expenses by having a mass lay-off of its
employees in order to cope with the demands of the bank. But certain groups of employees
opposed the idea so they initiated a dialogue with the management. They said that they
prefer a salary below the minimum wage rather than to lose their jobs especially in those
times. However, the management told them that this is against the law and that the
company might face a criminal offense. Still the employees continued to plead until the
company gave in. As a consequence, they told the employees that they would have to sign a
document stating that they actually received the right wage. It is to appear that the
company is paying the right amount of wage to the employee.

Questions:
 1. Clearly the company will violate the law if it allowed its employees to receive the
wage below the minimum than the law requires. Is this decision morally correct?
Why or why not?
Answer: No, because we have law and rules that we are following. We need to follow
what’s in the law even if our decision can help other people. Rules is rules, and law is
law. We should obey our government. Ven if we want to help, we can’t do anything
but obey the law. Maybe we can help them in different or other ways.

2. The employees insisted on what was legally wrong. Is this action morally justified?
Answer: No, because even if the employees are those who want it, it is not right to
disobey the law. The employer should give the proper and right benefits for the
employees and make a decision that can save the company and the employees. If the
mass lay-out is the only way to recover, then the employees should respect its
decision because that is the right thing to do.

Religion in the Workplace

A woman was working as a head nurse at a clinic that employed about 20 people.
The owner and manager are members of a religious cult. During business hours, everything
seemed normal, but during the two-hour lunch break, all the employees have to go to the
rooftop and attend in-house teachings. These courses encompass everything from
communication skills to office efficiency. They were all designed by a man who founded a
religious cult of which the owner was a member. Granted that they were business seminars,
staff members and employees including the head nurse felt those teachings were heavily
colored with religious influences. They had to understand every word as an important key
in learning lessons. However, most of the words could not be understood because they
cannot be found in dictionaries. Whenever she would ask her boss about a word, they
would usually end up discussing the cult leader’s works and eventually she would have to
read paragraphs out of the religious teachings to fully understand everything. She felt as
though she was being brainwashed but could not complain because she loved her work.

Questions:

1. What is the main ethical issue in the case?

Answer: Religions have long-standing approaches to ethics, including business

ethics. Given the widespread influence of religion, this has helped shaped
economic life over the centuries. Religious ethics form a major part of broader
understandings of ethical issues. Many religions and denominations apply both an
ethical screen to investment and also advocate specific ethical approaches to
business. But in the business, religion must not affect and disturb the work of the
employees and their relations to each other.

2. Is it morally right to business owners to impose their religious orientations on their

employees? Why or why not? Explain your answer.

Answer: No, because the religion of the owner must not affect the employees of the
company. The values and culture of the religion must not force to adopt by the
employees. The owner of the company must not use their power to encourage their
employees to associate and join their religion.

3. Is religious discrimination unethical? Explain your answer.

Answer: Employers may not discriminate against an employee based upon religion
regarding hiring, firing, promotion, pay, benefits, assignments, and any other term or
condition of employment.
While the law doesn't protect people from simple teasing or isolated incidents that
are not severe, it does prohibit harassment that is severe or frequent such that it
creates a hostile or offensive work environment. Harassers relevant to the law
include any supervisor, co-workers, and even customers.
Employers may not segregate employees based upon religious belief. In fact, it is
illegal to assign an employee to a position with no customer contact on the basis of
the employee's religious belief, even if there is an actual customer preference for not
interacting with such employees.
Employers are required to reasonably accommodate the religious beliefs of an
employee unless the accommodation will result in more than a 'minimal burden' on
the operation of the employer's business or imposes an undue hardship on the
 employer. An undue hardship may occur if the accommodation is costly,
compromises workplace health and safety, or interferes with other people's rights.
An undue hardship may also occur

Saints and Sinners

Consider the following two individuals: Maria is the student in your Clinical
Laboratory Science class that you as a teacher think is least likely to be a good health
provider. Although very bright, she comes from a rough-and-tumble background, and while
she is making satisfactory progress in your class, she is also the one who appears to be
cutting the most corners.

On your way out of the office you leave your office open and the final examination on
your desk. Maria works in the building as a work study student. She knows that you have
gone for the day and notices that the door is open. She enters your office and sees the exam.

It would be so easy to copy the exam she thinks as she moves toward it. However, at
the last moment , she stops and thinks to herself that she knows she is prepared for the
exam, and she doesn’t need the grief if she should ace the exam and someone sees her leave
the office.

She backs out of the office, looks to be sure that no one has seen her, and locks the
door. She thinks to herself, if I can’t see the exam, I will make sure that no one else does
either.
 Arthur is the model student in your clinical laboratory class. You often daydream of
the perfect class and in every seat the student sitting there looks like Arthur.

On your way out of the office you leave your office open and the final examination on
your desk. Arthur works in the building as a work study student. He knows that you have
gone for the day and notices that the door is open. He enters and sees the exam.

Once Arthur sees that exam is on the desk, he backs out of the office and locks it. He
thinks, I will warn the instructor to be more careful with the door. It really did not occur to
him to copy the exam, although he also feels well prepared.

Questions:

1. In virtue ethics, which of the following is the most noble, the tempted sinner
who makes the right choice, or the unconcerned saint? Defend your answer.

Answer: For me, the most noble is Maria, the tempted sinner, because aside
from backing out what she thinks about the exam, she makes sure that no one
can also sees the exam. Her attitude towards it is most honorable than the
attitude of Arthur, although he also sees the exam and backs out, he is not
concern about the exam whether someone’s sees it also.
Questions for Discussion

1. Why are values important for man?

Answer: Generally, value has been taken to mean moral ideas, general conceptions
or orientations towards the world or sometimes simply interests, attitudes,
preferences, needs, sentiments and dispositions. It is important and lasting beliefs
or ideals shared by the members of a culture about what is good or bad and
desirable or undesirable.

It has a major influence on a person’s behavior and attitude and serves as broad
guidelines in all situations.

Actually, the value represents basic convictions that a specific mode of conduct or
end-state of existence is personally or socially preferable to an opposite or converse
mode of conduct or end-state of existence.

2. Differentiate virtue from vice.

Answer: A virtue is a morally good habit or action of yours, good in a sense

that it is beneficial to the society like for instance, helping those in need of
help or beneficial to yourself alone like for example always being truthful. But
it should be understood that a virtue, either for yourself or the society, is
always beneficial to the society in the longer term.

A vice is not the exact opposite of virtue. Rather it not only includes immoral
actions which are harmful to yourself and the society but also actions which
are in violation of a religious edict. For instance, eating pork may not be
harmful to a Muslim individual or society, but it goes against the fundamental
teachings of Islam.

Vice is just a bad habit. It can either be a sin or virtue or something

completely irrelevant. For example, chewing sweet gum all the time is neither
sin nor virtue but it is a bad habit nonetheless. However, vice is commonly
associated with wickedness, immorality and personal immoral practices.

3. Discuss the relationship between values and virtues.

Answer: Virtues and values are commonly treated as synonyms, but there is
a distinction — virtues are lived values, values in action, values which are
achieved on a dependably regular basis, while values by themselves
 are ideals or goals which tend to be more aspirational and not uncommonly
fail to be achieved on as regular a basis as desired.
Values are primarily aspirational and that the real goal is to realize values, to
make them virtues, by living them in our daily lives on a consistently regular
basis.

Value and virtue both refer to the same thing — beliefs, principles, ideals,
qualities, traits, properties, attributes, expectations, or characteristics of
individuals or groups that are highly-valued, desired, admired, and prized in
society, but the key distinction is that values are aspirational expectations,
ideals or goals that are not always achieved, while virtues are those principles
or qualities that have actually been achieved and can be directly observed and
experienced in the here and now.
Values are more the theory, while virtues are more the reality.
Values are in principle, while virtues are conformity with principle.

4. What is the role of moral values in business ethics?

Answer: Value is a belief, a mission, or a philosophy that is really meaningful

to the business. An example of a business value is: "Customer Satisfaction.
“Thus a business value is the company’s criteria for achieving a high level of
performance. For example, Unilab, A Healthcare Medicine Company became
so successful in its field because the company was so dedicated to the value
of "high quality and purity of its drug products". Because of this perceived
value, distributors felt secure carrying Unilab products, and felt confident
recommending the products to their customers.
Good reputation of the business leads to higher value. Reputation and good
word of mouth advertising is essential to business survival in today's
wretched economic climate and no business can afford to ignore an unhappy
customer. Unhappy customers have the ability to besmirch your good
reputation in a matter of hours.
Businesses include transactions, dealings, exchanges etc. to explain let’s take
the example of exchange. Exchange means “giving something and receiving
something”.

5. What are the common Filipino values that are practiced in the business and
corporate world?

Answer: This gold-standard reputation can be directly attributed to strong

Filipino values and a stellar work ethic. There are a number of key elements
that help us understand how the Filipino community has earned such a
positive and well-deserved reputation. Whether working in the Philippines or
abroad, here are the values that make Filipinos a level above other employee.
Highly Educated
Education is a major part of Filipino culture, especially for those who have
migrated to other countries. In the US, Filipinos, when compared to other
immigrant groups as well as US born citizens, have an above average
education rate. They also have an extremely high English speaking
proficiency, ranking as the second highest in Asia and 14th highest in the
world. Both factors contribute greatly to Filipino success in the workforce.

Hospitality & Generosity

Instilled into their culture, Filipino workers will make you feel welcome, even
if they haven’t known you for a long time. They will immediately ask you to
join them for a meal or drink after work and will offer to show you around
their city or town. They are naturally inclusive and will ensure that you meet
their office mates so you’ll quickly feel part of the team. You’ll rarely find a
Filipino worker that refuses to mingle with others, and as any manager
knows, building a strong rapport amongst teammates is paramount to
managing a successful team.
Filipino workers make up a substantial percentage of the international
workforce in the healthcare industry. Given the values and ethics that are
known to be such an integral part of Filipino culture, it’s no surprise that
Filipino workers are drawn to this career path, becoming highly sought-after
employees across the private and public healthcare sector.

Family Values
When dealing with your staff in the Philippines and abroad, you will more
than likely see their strong commitment to their families. Values of respect,
hard work and loyalty are heavily influenced by their personal relationships
with their families and these carry over to their professional lives as well.
Filipinos are responsible, dependable and hardworking; this can be directly
attributed to the culturally-rooted trait of filial obligation (taking care of the
sick family members, sending money to help pay for education of family
members and miscellaneous family needs). The importance of “family values”
translates into the workplace as well, with Filipino’s demonstrating a strong
commitment to their team and team members, treating them as an extension
of their families.
 “Hiya” and “Mahiyain”
The concept of pride or “saving face” is a big deal in Asian work cultures. It is
often associated with Japanese workspaces, but it can also be applied in the
Philippine setting. Often, Filipinos are not very confrontational and value
their reputation. They go out of their way to avoid losing face or being
embarrassed in public settings. Being “hiya” or “mahiyain” is a complicated
Filipino value that puts importance on how others see you, therefore
influencing their behavior in a workplace environment. In an age where
accountability is a lost art, “Hiya” instills a refreshing sense of pride in
Filipino workers.

The value of hard work

Working overtime is a popular concept in the Filipino work culture. Many
workers don’t mind working after business hours because they know it can
help add value to the work they do. Despite having their own heavy
workload, Filipinos will offer assistance to their colleagues in order to help
the team as a whole. Furthermore, it is a common statement from foreign
employers that the work ethics and dedication of overseas Filipino workers
(OFWs) are top notch and unmatched. In countries such as Kuwait and the
US, employers can attest to this as hiring rates for Filipinos is growing.
It’s clear that Filipino workers have carved out a unique place in the
international market as high performing, highly sought-after employees.
Their strong moral code, along with family values and ethical workplace
practices has solidified their place as trustworthy and hardworking
employees. As more and more Filipinos travel and work abroad, this
reputation continues to spread, as the rest of the world embraces the quality
that Filipino employees bring.

6. Cite some Filipino values that have become disadvantageous to the Filipino
culture.

Crab mentality
There are some of us Filipinos who got a bitter view at competition—that if
we cannot win, then no one will. Instead of helping each other to be
successful, we even make ways to pull them down like discourage them from
taking great opportunities, or destroying their image. This is because we
want to be the only one at the top. If only we would see the achievements of
our neighbors or colleagues as an inspiration to reach our own goals instead
of considering them as threats. We should realize that the success of each
Filipino will contribute to the improvement of the country, and this can help
all of us to be successful as well.

Procrastination or “Mañana Habit “

This is another habit which keeps the development of our country slow. Look
at the government projects which have been left undone for years. If only
they were completed immediately, then many Filipinos would have already
benefited from them. This is also true with many of us. Instead of working on
a task while there is much time, we wait for the deadline because we feel lazy
to start on them, or we want to use the time in other things. Of course, the
outcome of our completed work would not be of high quality because they
were rushed.

”Bahala na” or “come what may” habit

This is another habit that destroys the image of Filipinos. Instead of doing
something to make things happen, we tend to just leave the outcome to
whatever that could happen—come what may—we say. For instance, instead
of studying for exams, some students may spend more time in computer
games and gimmicks, while leaving their chance of passing the midterms to
luck. We could attribute this habit to faith, reasoning out that God will help us
become successful. However, as the Christian saying goes, “faith without
work is dead”. If we have some goals, then we need to work in order to
achieve them.

Hypocrisy (being a double-faced person)

As a country which claims to value morality, most of us try to live up to the
standards set by the traditional society. However, as no one is perfect, many
of us are not actually able to sustain these standards. The fear of being an
outcast has forced a lot of people to live a double standard life. To hide our
failure in following a norm, we tend to be condemning to those who are
caught red handed. A perfect example could be the criticisms faced by those
who become pregnant outside marriage. The sad fact behind this scenario is
that some of these critics could have actually engaged in premarital sex too—
only that no proof is visible.
Ningas cogon
In Spanish, “ningas cogon” means a burning cogon grass. This flaming grass
quickly burns out—and this best describes one of the worst Filipino traits.
Most of us are very good at this. We are excellent at starting projects or idea
execution. Nevertheless, after a few hours or days, we lose the excitement,
and we become too lazy to finish what we have started.

Filipino time (tardiness)

Instead of being something to be proud of, ‘Filipino time’ brings a negative
impression to our people. The Filipino time is usually associated with
tardiness. When the invitation says the program will start at 7pm, it is
expected to begin at 9pm. When the date is set at 3pm, the partner will arrive
at 5 o’ clock. This has not only caused conflicts in relationships; it also
discourages others including foreigners from getting involved in supposedly
productive activities as too much time can be wasted on waiting.

Gossiping
Filipinos are fond of talking about others’ business. It is not true that only
women are into gossiping. Even men can also be nosy on other people’s lives.
Sadly, this does not bring any good to the subjects. Secrets are brought out;
failures and flaws are emphasized; and relationships are destroyed. Worse, as
gossips are passed around, they tend to be twisted until the final story
becomes too far from the original—thus, causing more damage.

Blaming others (irresponsibility)

We, Filipinos, can sometimes be too self-righteous. When mistakes happen,
we do not want to take the blame, so instead we point at others. This shows
how we can be irresponsible for our actions. This attitude destroys team
work, and reliability becomes an issue. This habit is also popular among our
public officials. I know you know what happened during the Yolanda crisis.
The rescue and rehabilitation operations in the Yolanda affected areas
became slow, courtesy of the blaming habits of our politicians in position.

Inconsideration (being thoughtless of others)

This habit could be a result of having too many things on mind—have to find
money for kids’ tuition, need to look for a better job, stress over a drunkard
or unfaithful spouse, and other problems. We become insensitive to the needs
of other people because we need to focus on ourselves first. However, this
country could be an easier place to live in if we were thoughtful enough to
show kindness to one another. These problems will be easier to deal with if
we will help each other get over them.

Ignoring or not following simple rules and instructions

Laws and regulations are created to make communities harmonious.
However, how can we achieve that peaceful neighborhood if we cannot even
follow the simplest rules like crossing on the pedestrian lane and not
loitering around? It is not enough that we demand change in our government.
We should also strive to start change in ourselves by being disciplined
citizens even in the smallest ways.

Attention grabbing (being an ‘epal’)

It is natural for Filipinos to attract attention by standing out as we are a fun
and people loving race. Nevertheless, it is a different thing to be
an “epal” or “kapalmuks”—simply, being an attention grabber. Sometimes, in
our desperate need to be the center of attention, we do things that are
already embarrassing like butting in conversations as a know-it-all or by
being scandalous. This habit is also common to our politicians. Instead of
prioritizing their duty to give the best service to the people, they rather
prioritize their thick faces to grab attention that will bring them more chance
of winning in the next election. But thanks to our vigilant netizens, this kind
of politicians earn more shame than fame.

Being onion-skinned or too sensitive

Another habit or attitude that we need to change is our being too prideful
which usually results to being oversensitive. If we think highly of ourselves,
then we have the tendency to put a wall around us and that signboard on our
forehead saying, “I must be respected.” Therefore, when someone makes a
joke or a not so positive comment about us, we feel like we are not respected
and we get offended. If all people in the country do not know how to accept
constructive criticism, then we can never expect unity.
Living beyond their means (social climbing)
One of the reasons why a lot of Filipinos live in poverty is because of
overspending. Since most people want to live an elite lifestyle, many resort to
social climbing or living beyond their means. Sometimes, some of us think
that as long as we wear designer clothes and shoes, and we send our children
to the most expensive schools, it is alright to be swimming in credits and
loans.

Passivity (lack of leadership)

Filipinos’ lack of initiative for change is also one reason why our country does
not progress. We keep on complaining against the government and other
societal issues. However, we do not do anything about them. One of our
excuses is the lack of faith that our small actions can bring change. However,
the worse reason for this could be our lack of care for what is happening
around us. Common Filipinos also lack courage and confidence. If you can
notice it, in classrooms, churches, or conference rooms, most of us don’t like
to sit in the front seat.