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The Manila Peninsula takeover was driven by the view that drastic change is the solution. It’s easy to understand the reasons behind this mindset, especially when the many problems plaguing the Philippines are firmly entrenched in the current system.

But I believe that, for better or worse, the system we have now works. We still operate on a meritocracy, at least in the corporate world. There are still opportunities available to those skilled, talented, and dedicated enough.

Any challenge to an established order, such as the various impeachment attempts and Trillanes’s recent escapade makes development and progress harder. A system will break down and experience a loss of order, as it adapts to deal with the attack—or not. This lack of order means it’s more difficult for anyone to post gains, as they’re forced to adapt to the system’s changes and come up with new ways to find success within it.

This is easier for large businesses or wealthy individuals who prepare contingencies for a wide variety of situations. The same can’t be said for those whose options are limited. How vulnerable is the bred winner, when his job is the only way his family makes a living? Who suffers more when a company experiences difficulty because of the economic situation? The owners or its more expendable workers?

I’m not saying that we shouldn’t look for a better arrangement, nor should we ever be content with what we have. Yet I’ve only seen complaints without any corresponding alternatives. So far, the only common factor of the opposition to President GMA is only a call to remove her from office. Where are the viable substitutes?

In short, drastic change may be needed to solve this country’s many problems. But those who are pushing for it have so far failed to find the necessary widespread support. Perhaps the general perception is that their actions are driven by a selfish need to gain political power, rather than a desire to better the Philippines. In a certain sense, things may have to go wrong for genuine change to occur. But when things go wrong, it’s those with limited options—the so-called “little people”—who suffer the most.