Moral Muddle

At a mall in Makati, a beggar asks for help. He looks very hungry, and there is a child with him.

• Would you give some money to the beggar and buy food for the child to make sure they are okay?

• Would you give money to the beggar and talk to him, telling him about local shelters or programs that could help him in the future?

In a government office, a boss offers a bribe to approve a project that does not meet all the rules.

• Would you report this to the authorities, even though it might risk your job and safety?

• Would you let the project go ahead because it could create jobs and help the community, even though it breaks some rules?

A wealthy person applies for a job at a company. The job is meant for someone who comes from a poor background and needs the opportunity more.

• • Would you recommend someone from a poor background who could benefit from this job?

• • Would you recommend your wealthy friend, believing their skills and connections would bring good things to the company?

A student from a poor family misses school often but does very well when they are present. They ask for help to catch up on missed lessons.

• Would you help the student after school, even if it’s not part of your job, to give them a chance to do well?

• Would you change the student’s grades a little, understanding that they missed school for a good reason but still have potential?

On a crowded bus in Metro Manila, the conductor asks for an extra fare. It seems like only some passengers are being charged more.

• Would you politely ask the conductor why some people are being charged more, making sure everyone is treated fairly?

• Would you pay the extra fare without saying anything, understanding that the conductor might be following a rule?

A single mother who lives in a poor neighborhood is sick and can’t afford the medicine she needs. She asks for help.

• Would you give her money for the medicine, even though it means spending money you might need for yourself?

• Would you give her some money, but explain that you can’t give her all the money she needs because you have your own expenses?

A friend from a wealthy family has borrowed money from you many times and hasn’t paid it back. Now, they ask for a larger sum.

• Would you tell your friend that you can’t lend them money anymore because they didn’t pay back previous loans?

• Would you lend them a smaller amount, saying that it will be the last time, but still want to help your friend?

One job candidate is from a poor or minority background, but they are very qualified. The company usually hires people from wealthier backgrounds.

• Would you suggest the qualified candidate from the poor background, believing they deserve the chance to get the job?

• Would you recommend someone from a wealthier background, believing they might bring more connections and opportunities to the company?

In a gated community, people without homes start living on a vacant lot nearby. Some people in the community are worried about safety, but the settlers need a place to stay.

• Would you contact the local government to find a solution that helps the settlers while making sure they have a safe place to live?

• Would you sign a petition asking for the settlers to be moved for the safety of the community, even though they are in a difficult situation?

A street vendor who sells fruit collapses from illness and asks for help to pay for his medicine. He does not have insurance.

• Would you give him the money for treatment, knowing that his health is in danger?

• Would you give him part of the money he needs, explaining that you can’t pay for all of it, but you still want to help?