Once every three years, we find ourselves at a crossroads of a divisive process in our ongoing search for unity and meaningful progress.
The fault lines of political discord run deep. Partisan agenda and power play—and add to that—fake news on social media — threaten to tear apart the very fabric of our democracy.
Too many public officials, elected to serve, seem more interested in scoring points than solving problems. Ang hirap talagang mahalin ang Pilipinas.
It wasn’t always this way. We were once ranked No. 2 in Asia, next only to Japan. Singapore, South Korea, Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia used to look up to us.
Today, even Vietnam has surpassed us, and we find ourselves in the same league as Myanmar and Laos. Tayo na ang nalalaos. What does this mean for the future of our children and grandchildren?
According to the 2024 Corruption Perceptions Index by Transparency International, the Philippines ranks 114th most corrupt out of 180 countries—only slightly ahead of Myanmar, Laos, and Cambodia.
We are now perceived to be the sixth most corrupt country in Asia, losing an estimated ₱700 billion annually to corruption.
The Bureau of Customs alone reportedly deprives our government of billions in revenue every year.
Meanwhile, our national debt has soared. From ₱6 trillion in 2016, it rose to ₱13 trillion in 2022—and as of February 2025, it stands at ₱16.6 trillion. Continued budget deficits may push it past ₱20 trillion by 2028.
The crisis extends to education. According to the Education Commission 2, our school system suffers from chronic underfunding, poor governance, and weak teacher training.
In the latest Programme for International Student Assessment ranking, the Philippines placed 77th out of 81 countries. Meaning, our students performed below the global average in Reading, Math, and Science.
Even more alarming, the Philippine Statistics Authority reports that 18.96 million students who graduated in 2024 struggle to read and comprehend a simple story.
Worse, allegations of misuse of confidential funds continue to haunt executive offices. Legislators are accused of using billions in development funds for political gain—what many rightly call modern-day pork barrel.
And beyond politics, our sovereignty is under threat. China’s continued aggression in the West Philippine Sea challenges our territorial rights and national dignity.
In this climate of crisis, is recovery even possible? Can the May 12 elections offer a path forward?
Despite everything, many Filipinos still believe that what unites us is stronger than what divides us. We cannot allow political selfishness to rob future generations of hope. We are strongest when we set aside differences and fight together—for people, not just for politics.
Filipinos are resilient. Our strength lies in bayanihan, in our unwavering love for country. In times of darkness, we cling to faith. Pope Francis reminds us: “We are all pilgrims of hope.” Pope John Paul II declared: “Do not abandon yourselves to despair. We are the Easter people and hallelujah is our song.”
In this Easter season, let us raise our voices. Let us urge our leaders to rise above division, and serve the common good. Let us demand real action on poverty, education, inequality, and corruption.
Political parties must abandon personality-driven campaigns and prioritize platforms. We need issue-based debates, inclusive policies, and sustainable social programs—not fear-mongering or empty promises.
Campaigns should showcase candidates’ track records, competence, and heart for service. We need public servants who offer solutions, not slogans.
Can we find more leaders like Benjamin Magalong of Baguio or Vico Sotto of Pasig? And more importantly, will Filipino voters demand better?
The late Sen. Miriam Defensor Santiago once said: “A ballot is not a list of thieves, liars, and corrupt individuals.” She urged us to choose leaders not for their fame, but for their integrity, vision, and competence.
But will her words be enough to counter the age-old enemies of our democracy—guns, goons, gold, and ignorance?
That answer lies in our hands. May we choose wisely. Our future depends on it.
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Author’s email: pligutom@yahoo.com
