A trillion reasons to march

The flood control corruption scandal has sparked a wave of public outrage, pushing frustrations to the boiling point. Alarming allegations indicate that billions of pesos have been illicitly diverted through ghost projects, subpar construction, and rigged contracts. This turmoil has reignited a longstanding frustration — while the government hypes transparency, genuine accountability continues to elude the public’s grasp.

As images of unexplained wealth, luxurious homes, and lavish lifestyles of implicated officials spread widely, one undeniable truth emerges — the traditional Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth (SALN) has lost its credibility. In the absence of a robust verification system, such disclosures barely transcend the realm of an honor system, existing in a political landscape that rarely prioritizes integrity.

Even the recent P110-million restitution by DPWH engineer Henry Alcantara — while a rare acknowledgment of wrongdoing — barely dents the public’s anger. Returning the money is not justice; Filipinos want the plunderers punished, not merely to pay their way out of the consequences.

The Trillion Peso March, the last one held last Sunday, has become a symbol of national reckoning, supported by religious leaders, civic groups, labor organizations, youth networks, and community leaders. This mobilization calls for justice and structural reform, highlighting the devastating effects of corruption on public resources and services.

Filipinos are taking to the streets with renewed anger and clear demands — to stop the theft, return what was taken, and protect public funds. This is a crucial moment as the people demand accountability and a better future for everyone.

Amid this uproar, business groups — led by the Makati Business Club, Management Association of the Philippines, Financial Executives Institute of the Philippines, Shareholders Association of the Philippines, Justice Reform Initiative, and Institute for Solidarity in Asia — have renewed calls for mandatory lifestyle checks on all government officials.

Public servants should face scrutiny if they declare modest incomes while living extravagantly. Conducting lifestyle audits alongside SALN disclosures can help uncover unexplained wealth, preventing future scandals. This approach stresses that public office is not a means for personal gain and emphasizes that public trust must be earned, not exploited.

The recent budget hearings emphasized the debate over transparency, for instance, the Department of Information and Communications Technology’s (DICT) proposed budget. With a larger budget aimed at improving satellite connectivity, broadband access, free Wi-Fi, and e-governance, the department is poised to shape the nation’s digital future.

Questions have been raised about procurement practices and spending integrity in the DICT.

Senator Risa Hontiveros has challenged its officials on inconsistencies and potential irregularities, calling for tighter safeguards to ensure that the funds are used for genuine digital inclusion.

These concerns make an important point — digital reforms can fail without human accountability. Technology can improve services, make spending clearer, and strengthen oversight. But this only works if the people in charge are held to high standards.

As a Poll Starter, the Trillion Peso March powerfully expresses outrage and hope, demanding a transformative governance model. It insists on transparency paired with accountability, public disclosures with rigorous audits, and budget allocations with meaningful oversight.

As Filipinos marched last Sunday, they were not just protesting scandals; they were demanding a government that merits their trust. If the nation is serious about reform, it must confront these critical gaps.