“Shame on you!” is a brief but terse expression of anger, disapproval, and disappointment toward those who have acted immorally and criminally.

It’s a way of calling out behavior that is considered unjust, unkind, or disrespectful, often with the expectation that the individuals will reflect on their behavior and strive to improve.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., in his Fourth State of the Nation Address (SoNA), said those words passionately to people who had pocketed money from the flood control projects.

“Let us not pretend anymore,” the President continued. “The whole public already knows the racketeering going on involving the projects — kickbacks, initiative, errata, SOP (standard operating procedures), ‘for the boys.’”

The weight of each word hung heavily in the hallowed hall of the House of Representatives. He was upset about the misappropriation of funds intended for critical flood control projects, which were either nonexistent or destroyed by the series of typhoons last week.

The candid acknowledgment of infrastructural inadequacies and their broader implications for governance in the Philippines moved me, especially as many Filipinos continue to suffer the effects of inadequate flood control during the seasonal monsoons.

It served as a warning for accountability in government and the importance of ethical stewardship of public resources, particularly amid growing climate challenges that threaten the nation’s safety and infrastructure.

The President’s commitment to publishing a comprehensive list of flood control projects, as well as conducting audits and performance reviews, is laudable and a promising step toward restoring public trust.

By inviting public scrutiny, the Marcos administration acknowledges the role of ordinary Filipinos in overseeing its government agenda and standing against corruption. People can write their observations about a project’s status and any possible irregularities they may have witnessed. It is called citizen reporting.

The notion that future generations will inherit the debts accrued from such mismanagement stresses a generational responsibility that transcends party loyalties and political affiliations.

It is not simply a matter of regulations and audits; it is about ensuring a sustainable future where the negligence of their predecessors does not shackle the next generation.

However, the impact of these measures will ultimately hinge on execution. The history of government initiatives in the Philippines is littered with half-hearted attempts at reform, and thus, skepticism persists among the populace.

Still, I would like to commend the President for his call to action regarding this persistent issue that has long plagued our society. It’s a rare moment when I feel a sense of pride, not only in having cast my vote for him but also in being a Filipino citizen. His recognition of the problem reflects a crucial step toward addressing the challenges we face.

The accurate measure of our commitment goes far beyond eloquent speeches and lofty promises. It demands authentic, timely actions that yield concrete results.

As Filipinos, we deserve more than just conversations; it is time to move from words to action by taking resolute and accountable steps that will bring about significant and transformative change in our nation.

By shaming the shameless, the government can demonstrate its commitment to the people.

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