The Philippines is facing a critical challenge with its population of 115 million on an archipelago that can only support 30 million people in terms of productivity. This leads to a situation where many families privatize public resources to maintain a luxurious lifestyle for their own benefit, at the expense of others who adhere to the law and social norms. Adding to this burden is the national government’s growing debt, which has increased from P5.9 trillion to P14.10 trillion during Rodrigo Duterte’s term as president.
A significant portion of the annual budget is allocated towards debt servicing, leaving little room for other important priorities. Furthermore, Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno has warned of a potential fiscal collapse if pension payouts to military and uniformed personnel continue to rise, potentially reaching P1 trillion by 2035. In light of these challenges, Mayor Benjamin Magalong of Baguio questioned why politicians in Congress are not willing to give up their pork barrel allocations to ensure the stability of the nation.
Magalong emphasizes the need to address corruption as the primary source of leakage in the government. He shares his firsthand experience as a mayor, revealing that only a small percentage of funds allocated for government projects actually reach the contractors involved, due to corruption and kickbacks. This leads to substandard projects and further exacerbates the national debt. While Magalong is respected for his effective local governance, he finds it frustrating that politicians and bureaucrats avoid confronting the issue of corruption.
The reluctance of those in power to tackle corruption is a clear admission of helplessness, perpetuating a cycle where false gods and illusions control the sovereign people. This has left the country in a state of pilotless direction, burdened by foreign debt and environmental resource imbalances. The current approach to national development lacks substance, with short-lived plans, term-limited presidents, and a rotating cast of politicians in Congress.
The OFW (Overseas Filipino Worker) option, which was initially seen as a means of survival for families, has now become a crutch that hinders the country’s progress. The formal procedures of democracy have been manipulated and used against the people, resulting in disillusionment and fatigue from false development narratives. The people are held accountable for electing those in power, yet they see no real change or solutions to the structural issues plaguing the nation.
Given these circumstances, it is imperative that the Philippines takes bold action to address its challenges. It requires the courage to elect a constitutional convention and draft a new constitution, setting aside fears of potential setbacks. The country must renew its social contract and redefine its path as a nation. There is no better time to take action than now, as preserving our collective political life necessitates taking risks for the greater good.
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