Trillion Peso March musings

I was tempted to join the Trillion Peso March last Sunday, but I changed my mind at the last minute. I thought that my body would not be able to withstand the rigors of walking and standing for an extended time. There is no question that I share the anger of the people about the floods of corruption that are emerging all over. I told myself that, maybe, it was the turn of the younger ones to take to the streets and express their rage over the corruption that was beginning to become institutionalized in our society.

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I am fortunate to have been there to witness two milestones in Philippine political history: the declaration of martial law and EDSA 1. The two events ultimately led to a change in government leadership.

All these years, I have been asking myself what the two events have actually changed in our quest to achieve political and societal maturity. At times, the same questions become the center of conversations among contemporaries here and abroad. Corruption was a significant issue that triggered both events. Has it gone away or been significantly reduced since then? I do not think so.

In fact, to me, those involved have become so innovative and so brazen in getting their hands dirty on people's money. If only they used their innovativeness to do good things, then the Philippines would be able to achieve a much higher ranking in the Global Innovation Index. Instead, they are a living proof that, for the right price, most Filipinos can really be bought.

Corruption has long been one of the most pressing issues in the Philippines, shaping public perception of governance and eroding trust in institutions. It is a problem that cuts across administrations, political affiliations, and sectors. Yet, while the headlines often paint the entire government with a broad brush, the reality is far more nuanced.