Echoes of Neglect: A Sociological Analysis of Systematic Inequality in JMara’s “Wala” By: Irish Trisha Zape
deskvalor
Mar 26
4 min read
By: Irish Trisha Zape
Introduction
JMara's 2022 rap song “Wala” attacks political corruption and systemic inequity in the Philippines. “Wala”, which translates to “nothing” in English, captures the frustration and despair experienced by the Philippines' marginalized communities. The song depicts violence, political manipulation, and vote-buying in the music video, which makes a powerful statement about the state of society and politics. (Lifted Asia, 2022).
The song addresses the socio-political themes of government neglect, systemic inequality, and normalized corruption. Through its narrative structure, “Wala” confronts the harsh realities faced by the oppressed. The song reveals the consequences of government neglect and systematic inequality but also serves as a reflection of public frustration, highlighting the broader implications of these issues while emphasizing the role of music as a vehicle for social commentary.
Body
“Wala” critiques the abuse of power by politicians who manipulate the poor for electoral gain, presenting a raw and unfiltered depiction of political corruption and its profound impact on ordinary citizens. Proof as pictures of people paying bribes highlights how poverty makes communities open targets for political coercion and exploitation. Scenes of violence further emphasize the devastating consequences of political rivalries, reflecting the systemic failure to promote fair governance. Whereas, the repeated use of the word “wala” reinforces the absence of genuine change, accountability, and hope, capturing the deep-seated frustration of the people.
Political corruption, systemic inequality, and public disillusionment emerge as dominant themes in “Wala.” Corrupt politicians exploit the economic hardships of citizens to maintain power, reflecting studies that show patronage thrives in impoverished communities where financial desperation overrides ethical considerations (Casiple, 2010). Corruption not only sustains the power of political elites but also worsens poverty by diverting public resources from essential services. This widens the gap between the wealthy elite and marginalized sectors, intensifying social inequality (Ramos, 2020). The sense of frustration and hopelessness in the song mirrors the growing public distrust in political institutions, ultimately undermining civic engagement and reducing participation in democratic processes (Transparency International, 2023).
Critical Analysis
Through a sociological perspective, “Wala” portrays vote-buying and highlights how politicians manipulate the economic vulnerabilities of poor communities. Vicente and Magno (2017) argue that accepting bribes often becomes a rational choice for those facing financial instability, despite the long-term political repercussions. JMara condemns this normalization of corruption, exposing systemic conditions that sustain these practices. Diverted resources from corruption impact critical public services including healthcare, education, and infrastructure, exacerbating the challenges faced by marginalized populations (World Bank, 2021). Findings from Transparency International (2023) further indicate that corruption disproportionately affects the poor, amplifying the song’s message of systemic neglect.
Violence and fear resulting from corruption are further emphasized in “Wala,” particularly in authoritarian regimes. The song portrays the dangers faced by those who challenge corrupt systems, reflecting the harsh realities of political rivalry. Human rights organizations report increasing threats against activists and journalists exposing political misconduct (Amnesty International, 2022). This culture of fear discourages civic participation and reinforces authoritarian control, limiting the possibility of reform. State violence under Duterte's war on drugs serves as a relevant example, with countless extrajudicial killings (EJKs) highlighting the consequences of unchecked power. The recent extradition of Duterte to the International Criminal Court (ICC) in March 2025 to face charges of crimes against humanity (The Times, 2025) has intensified public discourse.
Art and music emerge as powerful forms of resistance in “Wala,” channeling the anger and frustration of marginalized communities. Cultural resistance reforms assert that marginalized groups use creative expression to challenge the dominance of oppressive systems. JMara presents an honest story of opposition using direct lyrics and compelling images that resonate with those who have personally experienced the effects of corruption. While the song sharply criticizes government neglect and corruption, it offers no specific reform suggestions. Nations with weak institutions often face similar challenges of vote-buying, political patronage, and public disillusionment (World Bank, 2021). However, “Wala” contributes to the broader conversation on governance reform, advocating for transparency, accountability, and civic empowerment.
Conclusion
In conclusion, “Wala” amplifies the voices of marginalized communities, standing in opposition to the normalization of vote-buying and government indifference, while elevating the voices of underrepresented groups. Despite the absence of proposed solutions, the song made a significant contribution to the ongoing call for political accountability and social justice, challenging its audience to face the truths of inequality and corruption by offering a powerful meditation on the effects of institutionalized neglect. The song's emotional impact fosters critical awareness, encouraging the public to demand transparency and accountability. While artistic expression alone cannot resolve systematic issues, works like “Wala” remain vital in amplifying marginalized voices and driving the pursuit of meaningful reform.
Reference List
Amnesty International. (2022). Philippines: Human rights under attack. https://www.amnesty.org
Casiple, R. (2010). Corruption and political culture in the Philippines. Institute for Political and Electoral Reform.
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