The international financial community, including credit rating agencies, is closely monitoring the unfolding events of the “flood-gate” scandal that is currently rocking the nation and sending investors to the sidelines.

Yes, Virginia, a significant slowdown in foreign direct investments has been observed since July, following allegations of corruption, mismanagement, and substandard “ghost” projects worth billions of pesos of taxpayers’ money.

Concerns about corruption are slowly seeping into the country’s economic progress. Its negative impact is already reflected in the local stock market. On Tuesday, the Philippine Stock Exchange index declined by another 96.29 points to 6,118.54, while the all-shares index went down 35.62 points to end at 3,693.67.

Now, the buzz circulating in the banking community is the possibility of a credit downgrade. This development could trigger capital flight and increase market risks, and it would also mean higher cost of foreign borrowings for both the government and the private sector.

Uncovering the extent to which government officials colluded with private-sector project proponents, which will hopefully lead to their incarceration, is a “litmus test” for the Marcos administration.

Roland Avante, president of Philippine Business Bank, agreed that the current situation is a “litmus test” and the biggest hurdle that must be resolved for the President to leave a lasting legacy.

And the flame was lit last Sunday when thousands joined a series of anti-corruption demonstrations around the country. One of those who attended the demonstration was my granddaughter, Nathanne Rafaielle S. Acosta, whom I fondly call “Pangga,” a student at De La Salle University.

Allow me to share her thoughts on corruption and joining the rally:

"Rallies are not easy. They test your patience, your stamina, and sometimes even your safety. I was standing there, hoping to be heard. These gatherings are not just about making noise; they are proof that we, as Filipinos, refuse to be silent in the face of corruption and injustice. They are proof that our spirit cannot be bought or broken.

When thousands of people from every background come together, united by one purpose, it shows that hope is alive. And hope is powerful. Hope is the seed of change.

I know some people question whether rallies make a difference. They wonder if walking under the rain, holding banners, or chanting slogans can really change the system.

But what I felt that day answered that question for me. It’s not that these corrupt officials just see rallies, banners, and chants as white noise. Rallies matter because they awaken something in us.

They remind us that we have a voice. They remind us that silence is dangerous. They remind us that we must speak up when something is wrong and take action when the future is at stake.

That day, I felt both pride and pain. Pride that so many Filipinos continue to fight, but pain because we still need to fight the same battles my grandparents once faced.

It hurts to think that decades later, corruption still poisons our country. It hurts to know that leaders can still betray the people who trusted them. Yet, instead of breaking me, that pain fueled my resolve.

I didn’t even care about the rain anymore. All I cared and prayed for was that we be heard—that our goal as a people of the Philippines be heard.

Leaving EDSA that night, I felt transformed. It was no longer just my grandparents’ story—hearing them say, 'Oo, nandun kami dati sumisigaw sa EDSA' [Yes, we were there before, shouting at EDSA]. It has become my story, too.

It’s about all of us, together, refusing to give up. Being there gave me more than just a memory; it gave me a mission—to keep speaking out, to keep standing up, to keep reminding others that change is possible if we refuse to let go of hope. We may be young, but that is our strength.

Our voices are sharp, our energy is boundless, and our dreams are not yet crushed by years of disappointment. We are the generation that can carry forward what the first People Power began.

If my grandparents could march again after all these years, then so can we. Our fight is far from over. As long as we walk together, chant together, and believe together, there will always be hope for our beloved country.

EDSA is not just a place. It is a spirit. It lives in every Filipino who chooses courage over fear, truth over lies, and hope over despair. And that spirit lives in me now. Never shall we fail!”

’nuff said.