Shameful stupidity 

Nakakahiya. Corruption has become so normal it’s practically part of our national identity.

Every administration promises change, yet each one breeds its own version of rot. From martial law’s ill-gotten wealth, to the pork barrel and PDAF scams, to today’s flood control fiasco — the pattern never ends. And for all the history lessons we’ve had, it seems history keeps repeating itself, even when it’s avoidable.

In weeks, the stock market bled hundreds of billions as investors fled. Foreign investors whisper: “Why risk money in a country that can’t even keep its own officials honest?”

The Philippines’ removal from global money-laundering watchlists barely matters when perception still screams “crooked.”

Imagine walking into a bank abroad and being told, “We can’t exchange your pesos — you’re Filipino, you might be a money launderer.” That’s not fiction. That just happened. That’s our reputation.

We’ve had People Powers — plural — yet power still belongs to the same crocodiles, while Filipinos keep electing them back.

— Carl Magadia­

The cost of corruption 

Corruption scandals that erupted this year have reignited public outrage — and the massive “Trillion Peso March” that filled the streets of Manila stands as a clear verdict from the people. 

What began as anger over alleged multibillion-peso anomalies in infrastructure spending has evolved into a broader demand for accountability. Investors are watching closely. When corruption dominates the national conversation, confidence in governance — and in the economy — inevitably weakens.

Foreign direct investment depends on predictability and transparency; both take a hit when scandal overshadows reform. The Bangko Sentral has already noted a dip in investor sentiment, while market analysts warn that risk perception is rising faster than policy credibility can keep up. The Trillion Peso March was not just a protest — it was an economic signal.

If the leaders want to rebuild confidence, they must match public outrage with decisive, transparent action. Without visible accountability and strong institutions, no amount of rhetoric or packaging of reform will convince investors to stay. The Filipinos have spoken; now the government must respond.                – Jason Mago

Empty cell

What a shame. Corruption in the Philippines has once again spilled beyond our borders — not just dominating local headlines, but tarnishing our image globally. And this time, it’s no longer just about how foreigners view us through the tired lens of “poverty porn.” They’re no longer just observing — they’re pulling out.

Just last month, South Korea halted a massive P700 billion (P28 billion) infrastructure loan for a Philippine project, citing deep corruption concerns. The Finance Department denied the existence of the loan — but the damage was done.

South Korean President Lee Jae-myung publicly announced on Facebook that he had ordered an immediate halt to the deal. His reason? To prevent “the unnecessary waste of Korean taxpayer money” and to avoid “poor management and corruption.” 

Whether the loan existed or not is beside the point. A foreign head of state openly citing Philippine corruption on a global platform is a national disgrace. And he’s not wrong.

Back home, the political circus continues to batter our already struggling economy. Investor confidence is in free fall. Even Philippine Stock Exchange chief Ramon Monzon, in an interview with Bloomberg — an international business outlet — directly linked the sharp decline of the local stock market to the corruption scandal involving flood control projects. Our benchmark index recently plunged below 6,000 points, driven by eroding trust in our institutions.

What a time to be alive.   As someone who dreams of representing the Philippines on the world stage, I now ask: what face can I show the global community? How do I stand proud when my country — the one I love and want to represent — is rotting in a system plagued by corruption and impunity?

It’s been nearly three months since President Marcos Jr. announced the probe into the flood control fund scandal. A move he might consider novel — but let’s be real: exposing wrongdoing is the bare minimum of leadership. 

And what’s happened since? Nothing. No arrests. No accountability. Just names floating in the headlines — many of them still free, still in power, still being interviewed on TV, some even leading their own “investigations” from within Congress and the Senate.  

All the talk — government shake-ups, lifestyle checks, “transparency,” SALNs being publicized — it’s just noise. No real justice.

The chants of “Ikulong na ‘yan! Mga kurakot!” aren’t just a tired slogan echoing in the streets — they should be a marching order for the government. JAIL THE CORRUPT, NOW!

— Vivienne Angeles