CALALANG, John Cedrick G.

BSLM 2A

GE- Ethics May, 4, 2020

“JUSTICE AND FAIRNESS”

1. Discuss the concept of justice and fairness in relation to the social

amelioration program.
- Justice in its literal sense is the quality of being fair and reasonable.
Although in its broad sense it is when people must in the exercise of his
right and in the performance of his duties act with fairness, give everyone
his due and observe honesty and good faith. Theoretically, Justice should
be the what was mentioned above. But should we apply it to situations and
circumstances, it should circumvent from Its definition. Justice should be
practiced with reason and compassion. The Social Amelioration Program
which aimed for financial subsidy to those who were unfortunate enough to
have their jobs suspended due to the crisis and the ongoing lockdown.
Although this program only gave the benefit to a particular set of people
specifically those deemed to be the most affected. This in turn gave rise to
a lot of complaints from different sectors which were not given the SAP
allocation. They contend that they too also have financial problems due to
the lockdown and should also be given the subsidy. In terms justice and
fairness those persons who were chosen as the set of people able to
receive the subsidy were considered because they are the people who are
most in need. Resources as a general rule are scarce and the allocation of
the government has only a limited amount to disburse. Therefore, it is only
fair that the first wave of SAP beneficiaries is those who are most in need.
And those who have more than most and was not able to receive and
assistance should let those who need it get the first wave of SAP
allocation. Because they have the middle class has a capacity to have
savings.
2. What is your opinion about giving financial assistance to the middle class in
the country? Is it fair and just? Why?
- It is fair to give assistance to the middle class but only during the point
when the lockdown continues for a longer period. It is only right and logical
that they have saving then therefore, they have the capacity to survive and
allocate their savings properly during the first part of the lockdown. But it is
also, logical that their savings may not be substantial for a long lockdown
period. Therefore, they must also be given financial assistance because as
resources are scarce and limited, they too are affected by scarcity of
resources. And must be given help during this period of scarcity and only
during this period when financial capabilities prove to be insufficient. For
the first instance of the lockdown they who have more than the lower class
must be able to survive without the government’s help. Though it does not
bar them from asking help when it is deemed necessary for example too
little savings or there are a lot of expenses.

3. What are the necessary measures that our government should do in order to
promote the common good? Give at least 3.
- (1) The National Idea System should have been implemented to make
sure the Social Amelioration program was distrusted properly towards a
family in need. Its purpose served to be a census of the Filipinos and
should include their financial capability so in case there is time of disaster
or perils there is a basis for help from the government. For the government
cannot help still exists among men and those in authority. Laws drew
breath from Morals and made to exist for the promotion of justice, fairness
and equity among the country. Therefore, this must be a priority to
promote common good. (3) Strictly cracking down those politicians who
exploit the cracks of the government for self-gain especially in this time
of calamity. It is only logical that without exploitation from this criminals
there is a capacity for common good to prosper.
4. What are the moral responsibilities of the Filipinos to our country during the
COVID-19 Pandemic? Explain your Answer.
- Responsibilities of each and every Filipino individual is to practice
compassion. Compassion in following the rules of the authorities.
Compassion to make sure proper guidelines and safeguards are practiced
to cut the chain of Infection. This must be the utmost responsibility that the
Filipinos must maintain. This encompasses everyone to do work with care,
to act with care and to have care for everyone. Those in authorities such
as soldiers, policemen and politicians must practice compassion during
times of implementation of rules or during times of social services. Citizens
also must practice it, especially when times of interaction with each other
make sure that they practice social distancing and of course during
confrontation with the authorities they must practice patience and
compassion when dealing with them. Two heads that act with volatile
emotions are bound to clash. It must be understood that this simple act is
the proper way to address this pandemic.