The “Rally for Transparency and a Better Democracy,” led by the influential Iglesia Ni Cristo, drew an immense and diverse crowd—an unmistakable sign that Filipinos from all walks of life refuse to tolerate corruption. Their message was resolute: in the wake of the flood control scandal, transparency and accountability are not optional but crucial and necessary. The rally affirmed that democracy in the Philippines remains vibrant and alive. Yet it also underscored that the exercise of democratic freedoms must be anchored in responsibility, lest passion be misused to sow division, unrest, or instability.

In a democracy, protest is not a threat but a necessary tool that inspires reform instead of sowing discord. It is what strengthens a nation. As Filipinos continue to fight corruption and demand accountability, the challenge now is how to protect the space for free expression while ensuring that peace and order remain intact.

Freedom of expression, one of the pillars of a functioning democracy, provides citizens a peaceful avenue to demand reform and call out government excesses. But such freedom must be exercised with discernment. A call for accountability loses moral force when it incites chaos or acts to tear down the very democratic institutions meant to protect the people’s voice and uphold justice. What the country needs today is principled engagement—unceasing pressure for reform expressed through peaceful, organized, and constructive means.

The government bears the foremost duty to ensure that freedom of expression is protected without breeding disorder. It must adopt clear, consistent, and transparent protocols for public gatherings—standards that guarantee the safety of demonstrators and the broader public. Excessive force or adversarial policing only breeds resentment. Authorities should instead prioritize communication, coordination with organizers, and calibrated crowd management rooted in respect for civil liberties.

Equally important is genuine transparency. Many demonstrations arise from a sense of neglect or deception. To address this, the government must strengthen mechanisms that encourage public engagement and quickly communicate accurate information, especially on matters as sensitive as the flood control scandal. A government that listens and responds meaningfully reduces the likelihood of unrest and reinforces trust in democratic processes.

Furthermore, the state must act decisively against individuals or groups who exploit public frustrations to incite violence or manipulate public opinion through misinformation. Protecting freedom of speech also means preventing its abuse to destabilize the nation.

The private sector—media institutions, industry leaders, and digital platforms—plays a critical stabilizing role. Media organizations bear the responsibility of reporting with precision and sobriety, avoiding sensationalism that may inflame public sentiment. Business leaders, meanwhile, should foster workplace cultures where employees may express concerns respectfully while promoting civic literacy and calm dialogue.

Digital platforms and communication channels must commit to curbing the spread of falsehoods that can provoke unrest. By championing truth and moderation, the private sector reinforces societal stability and ensures that public discourse remains focused on reform rather than discord.

And ultimately, democracy survives not only through institutions but through the conduct of its citizens. Therefore, it is incumbent upon every Filipino to commit to being well-informed, discerning, and respectful in the exercise of free speech. Participation in rallies or public debate should always reflect discipline and regard for the safety of others. Filipinos must reject disinformation, resist attempts to provoke confrontation, and uphold civility even amid disagreement.

A stable and secure nation is built not only by institutions, but by a people committed to using their voices wisely. When freedom is wielded with conscience, it becomes a force to uplift the nation and not to foment division. In this spirit, democracy in the Philippines will not merely survive, it will flourish.