The crushing burden of debt

There is one thing above others that humans can never escape and that is the burden of debt. Almost every one, except the millionaires, has a burden of debt. The hugely rich, however, can be in debt, too. Everyone seems to owe someone. There are different kinds of debt such as the "debt of honor" or in Filipino, "utang na loob," which can control the lives of the underling to the person in ascendancy. We owe parents, relatives, benefactors and schools. They all claim we owe them something. Religious leaders claim we even owe debt to God, although Jesus came to say once we repent and do penance for our sins and debts all is forgiven and said if we are Good Samaritans, he gives us friendship, debt-free.

Political debts are crushing and, like some Church leaders, control people. The ruling patriarch of the family dynasty holds almost everyone in some debt in their town or province when he or she dispenses public service, which is considered not a right but a personal favor. Then, there is debt owed to banks, to real-estate owners; the mortgage and car or motor loan has to be paid. Now, runaway inflation increases living costs and more debts pile up. There is no end to debt.