In the Philippines, every peso matters. And every promise made through the national budget affects real lives—especially those of ordinary Filipinos. That’s why the budget isn’t just numbers on paper. It’s a reflection of our values. It shows who we care about, what we choose to fix, and how much we respect the dignity of our people.

But let’s be honest: the budget process is broken. Not just slow. Not just confusing. It’s been twisted by politics, secrecy, and self-interest.

The 2025 budget was a painful example. Cuts to PhilHealth, agriculture, and education weren’t just technical decisions. They hurt the poor. The AKAP program, added late and handed out selectively, smelled of election tactics. And even with Supreme Court rulings against pork barrel funds, some lawmakers still found ways to turn public money into personal gain.

Now, as we prepare the 2026 budget, there are signs of change. Hearings are livestreamed. Civil society groups are watching. There’s talk of ending last-minute insertions. These are good steps—but they’re just the beginning.

Transparency is not the goal. It’s the starting point.

We need a budget that reflects the real struggles of Filipinos:

 The teacher who buys chalk with her own money.

 The farmer who can’t afford fertilizer.

 The barangay health worker who stretches limited supplies to care for her neighbors.

They aren’t statistics. They’re the soul of our nation.

To rebuild trust, we need more than open doors—we need a new mindset. That means:

 Stopping the use of aid as a political weapon

 Making bicameral records public

 Labeling congressional amendments as “For Later Release” to prevent abuse

 Focusing on education, healthcare, and food—not flood control projects that only enrich a few

The budget shouldn’t be a stage for political drama. It should be a promise to care.

Let’s listen to voices that ask hard questions, bring clarity, and connect us to each other. Let’s speak not just against corruption—but for compassion. Not just against secrecy—but for solidarity. Not just against broken systems—but for a better way.

Because in the end, reform isn’t just about fixing institutions. It’s about serving people. And our people deserve better. ([email protected])