In the past few weeks, it seems that the public has finally reached the apex of their frustration and exasperation because of the horrendous abuse heaped upon us by a handful of despicable and corrupt leaders of our nation who apparently for decades have been bleeding government coffers — funded by the blood and sweat of hardworking Filipinos barely able to make both ends meet — pitifully dry.

The unabashed anguished cries of a clamor for change — “enough is enough!” --- have been in full display on social media, newspapers, airwaves and on the streets for several weeks now. Furthermore, the mindless ostentatious display of extravagance to the hilt by the families in power has become the universal visual object of derision on TikTok and Instagram reels viewed and shared by millions.

The so-called tell-all — obviously orchestrated — revelations of Zaldy Co, perhaps in a vain effort to protect his own hide, and clearly meant to add fuel to the fires of discontent, has provided politicians, currently outside the kulambo thirsting to regain power, fodder to noisily call for demonstrations against the administration. Indeed, politics is most certainly rife in our nation’s psyche and it is high time for meaningful change. And I don’t mean the musical chairs variety of sons and daughters and wives taking turns to rule over the people which has been our scourge for so long.

However, we must remain hopeful. We need the people to make our voices heard. As an example, the voices of leading good governance advocates from the ranks of enlightened and patriotic former government officials and business professionals, i.e., mayors, governors, retired ranking military officers, businessmen, were heard loud and clear recently during the 25th anniversary of the Institute of Solidarity for Asia’s National Summit — Call For Change in a pledge of solidarity against corruption by wizened leaders in both the public and private sectors.

But is a statement even from prominent personalities enough to effect change? More particularly, is this message going to be understood by the disillusioned youth who still possess the idealism and energy to actively make things happen? What would the young do if they were in charge of effecting change? In this regard, by chance, I was able to chat with a few millennials, friends of my youngest, on their views of what is going on. All these Katipunan graduates, bright and articulate, did not hesitate to express their opinions.

Here are some highlights of our conversation which I have paraphrased below.

They definitely do not have any confidence in the current leadership nor the constitutional successor’s ability to make change happen. Neither in the military. Why? Mainly for a plethora of reasons — incompetence, indifference, lack of political will, conflicted self-interests — underlined by a desire for power. But more so because they believe all politicians except for a handful of minority senators are made of the same hide. Proof? Everybody’s now pointing to each other to pin the blame on. However, it’s like the pot calling the kettle black. All are the products of entrenched political dynasties who are elected by the hungry masses lured by promises of “ayuda,” election after election.

But perhaps more revealing is that a growing number of the youth have been radicalized. To keep the pressure up, youth groups are actually organizing to follow through after the rallies hopefully all the way to a new set of leadership in 2028 or even earlier if the opportunity arises.

Why this mindset? Opportunities to have a decent living are simply not available except for the children of the wealthy. The cost of living is so high. They even have the view that maybe the current system of governance will never work. And what does this mean? More pointedly, they say maybe it’s time to change the whole system of governance in our country. Have community leaders even of the socialist oriented variety, a revolutionary government, which could truly represent the aspirations of the downtrodden to have equal opportunities for change. But these candidates will never be elected without dismantling the dynasties. And if necessary, even through a forcible upheaval.

These are interesting views which may not necessarily be representative of the majority. But nevertheless, we have to take heed of what these millennials who are well informed, educated, and mindful of those in need have expressed. They resonate, in my view.

Until next week… OBF!