Stewardship of the people's trust: Government's primary responsibility

Public office is, at its core, a sacred trust.

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This truth was forcefully underscored by President Marcos Jr. in his recent address to newly promoted generals of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. While the occasion honored military advancement, the President's message was, in essence, a reminder to the entire officialdom and bureaucracy. He emphasized that leadership—whether in uniform or in civilian posts—demands integrity, discipline, and fidelity to the Filipino people, especially in the stewardship of public resources.

Every peso collected from taxpayers carries with it the sacrifices and aspirations of millions who expect government not merely to spend, but to spend wisely. In a time of competing demands—national security, social protection, infrastructure, education, health care, and climate resilience-the duty to safeguard public funds has become both more complex and more urgent. The President’s emphasis on honor and responsibility among senior officers echoes a broader expectation: that all those entrusted with authority must treat public resources with the same seriousness as they would the nation’s defense.