Note: This write-up was inspired by the PasigLaban Kabataan youth organization. They sent me a press release, and I edited it because while I support their plight against corruption, I believe in holding all leaders accountable. The original press release mentioned two politicians and promoted the organization itself. I do not favor any particular leader, especially with the 2028 election campaigns subtly underway.
In the struggle against corruption, the Philippines is divided, but almost all leaders in the country have, in one way or another, succumbed to corrupt practices. If not, many of them are under pressure to stay silent about the real score of the trillions of pesos stolen from government funds.
Recent exposés have revealed rampant corruption in several projects (flood control, health funds, education allocations, etc.) across the Philippines, implicating officials and major construction companies. Starting with flood control, the revelations highlight the failure of projects meant to mitigate flooding, which have instead left communities submerged.
For too long, corruption has been entrenched in Philippine society, so pervasive that many have come to accept it as an inevitable part of the system. Instead of rejecting it, the majority have grown desensitized. As concerned citizens and youth, we declare that this must end now.
Substandard flood control projects, built as superficial solutions to flooding, have caused widespread suffering for Filipinos. Despite millions of pesos allocated to these initiatives, much of the funding is siphoned off by corrupt individuals who prioritize personal profit over public welfare. These failures not only harm the present but also jeopardize the future of our communities.
We stand united in the fight for transparent and honest governance. Systemic corruption, entrenched for decades, can be dismantled through active participation—at the national level and within our own barangays. We urge everyone to be critical, engage in community spaces, and amplify our collective voice against all forms of corruption. As youth committed to education, health, climate action, disaster resilience, and active citizenship, we strive to create inclusive spaces to drive positive change, addressing critical issues like literacy, mental health, and access to support services, with a mission to cultivate a generation of empowered leaders dedicated to equity, health, and community resilience.
Anger, sadness, or despair over these anomalies is not enough. We must harness our rights to demand change. Corruption is not normal and never will be. It is a deplorable crime that destroys both the present and the future of the youth. Though the battle against corruption is daunting, it is a vital step toward a cleaner, more progressive future. Let us reject harmful norms and unite to uplift our nation.
The featured photo in this article was sourced from Barbara Burgess on Unsplash.
