GEC09 Ethics (Final)
Personal Reflection and Ethical Application (Individual)
Name: Loma, Kayl Anthony
Year & Section: BSEd English 2A
Part 1: Reflection on Group Presentation
Our short film, entitled PRIBILEHIYO is an eye-opener presentation of a moral dilemma
that highlights the unseen scenario behind the universities’ entrance exams in the Philippines,
as well as how broken our educational system is. In this short film, our group had collaborated
to make an impactful stance about the rising issue of wealthy individual getting into public
universities in the country, in which they are popularly known in the internet as ‘burgis’ or
bourgeoisie, and ‘nepo baby’ or nepotism baby. Our group, despite having a diverse social
status, decided not to be biased in presenting every ethical theory because we wanted to deliver
an in-depth analysis about this issue. The story revolves around four college applicants who
came from different socio-economic status, which are: poorest of the poor, lower class, middle
class, and higher class. The moral issue of the story had built-up when the proctor announced
that there is only one slot in the program that the four college applicants desired. To solve this
conflict, the university’s council decided to have a screening for each applicant who have passed
the entrance exams but only left with a sole slot. The story started to develop as every hopeful
interviewee presented their reasons why they are the most deserving among the other
candidates, during the screening. After all is said and done, the interviewer, who was also
revealed as the university president, had to make a crucial decision, a ruling that will decide
Which dream will continue to grow, and which one will be buried in the grave. The short film
ended in a cliffhanger. The university president had finally made a decision when she took a
folder, an indication that the conflict had been resolved. The reason for this is we wanted to let
the viewer decide which of the candidates are the most deserving, and utilize their ethical
reasoning and stand on the issue.
As for my personal contributions, during the development of the story, I am the one who
came up with the idea to make a short film about the trending issue of ‘burgis’ online. I am also
the director of the film, responsible for the flow of the story, as well as how the actors will play
their characters. In the editing part of the short film, I am also responsible for that. Fortunately,
my co-members decided not to include me in the writing of presentation’s outline, lessening my
workload in this project. We enjoyed making this short film, especially on how we had managed
to effectively present each argument that represents various ethical theories, such as: Virtue
Ethics, Natural Law, Deontology, and Utilitarianism. In my opinion, we presented every theory in
the best possible and most creative way. We gave each theory an ample time to be explained,
and we delivered it without leaning into a one theory or without inflicting any biases. This makes
our short film a significant piece of review about an important issue that keeps dividing our
community and social reality.
Part 2: Personal Ethical Analysis
Analysis Using Ethical Theories
If I were to choose one ethical theory that I think is the most appropriate in this kind of
moral dilemma, I will also choose utilitarianism. In my opinion, entrance exam is the best tool for
selecting deserving students to get into universities, especially in state universities that provide
high quality education and free tuition. This is a great method to assess a student’s fundamental
knowledge like arithmetic and reading capabilities; as well as the student’s college readiness.
We all know that universities in the Philippines have a very limited resources which is holding
them back in accepting many applicants. The entrance exam serves to decongest the population
of a university to avoid inadequate resources. Just imagine if the government get rid of entrance
exam, and just based the college acceptance through student’s Transcript of Records (TOR) or
socio-economic status---then it will be unfair and unjustifiable. For a very limited resources,
students must be selected thoroughly. Now, the main question is, should universities with free
tuition and high quality of education accept those bourgeoisie, knowing that they are capable to
study in private universities? To answer this question, we must understand the concept of
utilitarianism. According to our group analysis, utilitarianism aims to maximize happiness and
well-being for the greatest number of people. However, in this situation, happiness is not found
on the amount of people getting into the universities without dealing with an entrance exam. In
the concept of utilitarianism, it was stated that it is a form of consequentialism because it rests
on the idea that it is the consequences or results of actions, laws, policies, etc. that determine
whether they are good or bad, right or wrong. Meaning, those who will decide on this matter are
ought to make a decision that will produce the largest amount of good. By having an entrance
examination, it will ensure that the quality of students will be assessed, allowing universities to
maintain their excellences that will lead to producing large numbers of great graduates that are
ready to contribute for the society’s development. Did we achieve the greatest number of
happiness and well-being? Certainly, because it is the society that will benefit the most, at the
end of the day. By accepting those who have passed the entrance examination, no matter
whether they were rich or poor, we can ensure that the success of our society is inevitable. I
think the reason why many people will probably disagree on utilitarianism when it comes to this
matter is because of their sympathetic behavior towards poor people. They thought that it was
always unfair when rich people get their wants, and poor people get none. We need to be real
here, we are always voicing out for equality. But we must be reminded that equality doesn’t only
applies on the poor---it should be achieved by both sides. That is why when someone asked me
what’s my stance on this issue, I immediately answered, “Burgis or not, we all deserved a fair
and quality education.” Yes, I admit. Rich people are more ahead of us, with their resources
and connections, they can conveniently get their wants. But they do not deserve to be hated
when they seek for a high-quality education, because just like us, poor people---they also wanted
to make their own names. They also have dreams for themselves. It is just unfortunate that our
government, our country, cannot provide for all of us. Perhaps, now is the time to shift our focus,
look beyond greater problems that need to be resolve. Maybe, it was the corrupted political
system that continuously blocking us in achieving success. Think about it!
Alternative Perspective
As for my second ethical theory, I think virtue ethics is also appropriate in this case. In
this theory, we have a concept of golden mean, referring to the virtuous moral behavior or the
right action. In this situation, I think that the best way to solve this issue is to accept one of them,
while put the three others to the other closest related program that has available slots. In this
way, every applicant will get a chance to continue their dreams---to have a degree that will serve
as the key for their future success. Now, what will happen to the slot that they were battling for?
Well, I still believe that it should be assessed thoroughly. Those who will decide on this matter
must consider justice and compassion. Instead of just relying with the results of the entrance
exam and their socio-economic status, they should do a thorough examination based on the
strengths and weaknesses of every applicant. Every one of them deserves to be chosen. I
believe that the university had a little amount of power on this kind of matter. After all, they only
have a limited amounts of resources to cover all the academic expenses of their students.
Part 3: Broader Implications and Personal Connection
This moral issue highlights how the underperforming economy, political instability, and
social inequality could inflict a negative domino effect even to the tiniest details we could
imagine. In this case, we could clearly analyze how these factors contribute to the inequality and
disparity within a society which usually lead to social stratification and marginalization. This is
clearly evident based on how people react on the burgis issue online. Their various opinions
impose a wrongful perception towards wealthy people and poor people. Instead of supporting
one another, striving for unity, and seeking for the betterment of our society---we always let our
personal differences be the cause of negativity.
When the issue of nepo baby arose online, I had mixed feelings about it. At first, I thought
it was unfair when wealthy people got into state universities that supposedly created to help the
marginalized people to continue their studies and fulfill their ambitions in life. Yet, after a
thoughtful consideration and aligning my personal beliefs, values, and experiences, I had
realized that it is actually wrong to hate burgis people for being rich while still having benefits
from various government programs like this free education law. I don’t think they were shameless
for doing it. Maybe, they are actually after quality education that these state universities provide
(e.g. University of the Philippines). That is why some wealthy students, specifically in UP, have
an option to pay for their enrollment. Based on my experience, I have known someone who
came from a middle-class family. She tried to apply in the state university I am enrolled in, yet,
she got denied for some apparent reasons. This is quite unfair, especially that I am aware of her
capabilities as a student. This might be one of the reasons why I think Education for all should
be actually for ALL.
Furthermore, this activity helped me to broaden my perspective towards social issues. It
refined me to be more critical when making a judgment or a decision, and not to be ignorance.
As this course finally comes to an end, I would like to sincerely show my gratitude. Every topic I
had learned from this course is allowing me to see things in a much bigger picture. The
knowledge it instilled to me is invaluable, making my decision-making ethically aligned.