Here are some greetings from our readers:

“Mabuhay! To the editors and investigative journalists of DAILY TRIBUNE on your 26th anniversary! Thank you for consistently exposing greed, breaking the silence, and holding the powerful accountable. Your dedication to the truth inspires citizens to remain vigilant in our collective fight for a corruption-free society.”

“We are dismayed as Filipinos — 94 out of every 100 of us in the streets are talking about corruption in our country. Please expose more, especially the biggest cases. That is why we love !”

Indeed, corruption remains a severe and widespread issue in the Philippines, which ranks 120th out of 182 countries on Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI), with a score of 32 out of 100. Public concern remains high, with surveys indicating that 94 percent of Filipinos perceive government corruption to be prevalent.

Key metrics highlighting the seriousness of the issue:

Global standing: The Philippines fell six places in the 2025 CPI, dropping below both the global average (42) and the Asia-Pacific regional average (45).

Regional ranking: The country ranks as the third most corrupt in Southeast Asia, trailing only Myanmar and Cambodia.

One initiative, however, stands out as an example of the country’s efforts to improve public welfare.

The “Lab for All” caravan was met with immense relief and gratitude by residents of Cagayan de Oro and Northern Mindanao. Constituents praised the initiative for addressing their “quiet struggle” by bringing essential medical and government services directly to their communities.

High turnout and relief: More than 1,500 residents and members of vulnerable sectors from across the region benefited from the two-day service caravan at Capitol University. Many attendees said the program eased the burden and logistical challenges of traveling to hospitals for basic medical needs.

Whose original idea was “Lab for All?”

“Lab for All” (Laboratory, Konsulta, at Gamot para sa Lahat) is widely documented as the brainchild and flagship project of First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos.

While it supports President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s goal of bringing accessible health care closer to grassroots communities, official government releases and media reports consistently attribute the original concept and leadership of the project to the First Lady.

The Lab for All caravans deliver a comprehensive suite of free, one-stop health services, categorized into four core areas:

Free medical consultations: General checkups, pediatric and obstetric-gynecological assessments with specialists, alongside support from institutions such as the Philippine Heart Center.

Comprehensive laboratory diagnostics: On-the-spot health screening tests, including ECGs (for those aged 35 and older), digital X-rays, blood chemistry tests (cholesterol, uric acid and fasting blood sugar), urinalysis, and ultrasound services for pregnant women.

Medicine distribution: Free essential medicines and maintenance drugs for diagnosed patients, complete with personalized care plans and follow-up consultations.

Ancillary health and social services: Eye examinations with free reading glasses, distribution of assistive devices such as wheelchairs and canes, nutritional support for expectant mothers, and registration for government assistance.

Mrs. Marcos’ “Lab for All” program continues to expand nationwide.

Since its inception in May 2023, the health caravan has completed dozens of runs across the archipelago, reaching thousands of barangays in regions throughout the country.