The Perils of Speaking Out: When Opinions Are Dismissed as Interference

Wazzup Pilipinas!?



"Ang thinking kasi ng isang tao, kapag hindi pabor sa kanilla ang opinyon mo at hindi ikaw ang kasama sa topic nila, wala kang karapatan na magbigay ng mga panuntunan o karapatan ng bawat isa. Kahit pa nasa tama ka at wala ka naman posisyon sa lipunan ay isa ka lamang basura. Yung sasabihan ka na palasawsaw o pakialamero ay nangangahulugan na wala ka daw karapatan, kahit nasa tama ka man."



In our society, the value of an opinion often depends not on the truth it conveys but on who expresses it. There’s a prevailing mindset where, if your view doesn’t align with someone else’s, or if you aren’t directly involved in the topic, you’re told you have no right to speak. No matter how correct or factual your stance is, if you don’t hold a position of power or influence, some will treat you as insignificant—dismissing you as irrelevant or, worse, as a nuisance.

This attitude is rooted in the idea that only certain people are qualified to have a say, particularly those already involved in a discussion or holding a formal title. It’s as if only those who are part of the issue or hold positions of power are allowed to contribute to the conversation. Those outside the circle are often labeled "palasawsaw" (meddling) or "pakialamero" (interfering) just for sharing their perspective.

This response is not only unfair but also harmful. It undermines the principle that everyone, regardless of their social status or involvement in the issue, has the right to voice their opinion, especially when it’s based on truth and reason. Dismissing someone simply because they aren’t directly involved or don’t hold a high position reflects a deeply flawed understanding of what a healthy, democratic society should be.

In reality, speaking out—even if you're not in a position of power—is a civic duty. Constructive criticism and engagement should be welcomed, not shunned. If a person's opinion is grounded in facts and aims to improve the situation, it should be weighed on its merits, not dismissed based on their perceived lack of authority or involvement.

The tendency to call someone “palasawsaw” just because they express a valid opinion highlights a bigger issue: our society’s reluctance to embrace differing viewpoints. It sends the message that only certain voices matter, while others are discarded, even if they have valuable insights to offer. The right to speak up, to challenge the status quo, and to advocate for fairness is a right that belongs to all, not just a select few.

What’s worse is when this mindset stifles real progress. In ignoring voices that challenge or question, we miss out on alternative perspectives that could lead to better outcomes. Societies grow when they learn to listen, even to those without formal power. Silencing others—especially when they are in the right—only strengthens a culture of inequality and dismissiveness.

In the end, every voice deserves to be heard, particularly when it advocates for truth, justice, or improvement. We must move away from the mindset that only those directly involved or in power have the right to speak up. True progress happens when we foster open dialogues and give space for all to contribute, regardless of their social standing or involvement in the matter.

After all, the freedom to express opinions is one of the cornerstones of democracy. It is a right that should never be denied, even if the truth being spoken is inconvenient or uncomfortable for some.