The May 2025 election is fast approaching; and with it is the political atmosphere that is increasingly becoming charged with divisive rhetoric.

Amid the messages of change and reform, a troubling pattern has emerged: the campaign discourse seems more focused on personal attacks, mudslinging, and political point-scoring rather than meaningful discussions about issues that truly matter to Filipinos—improving their way of life.
Crucial at this time for both the administration and the opposition is to shed vested interests and raise the bar of the current campaign. This upcoming election should not be used to deepen the political divide but rather a chance to unite in solving pressing issues that continue to affect the daily lives of millions of Filipinos.

One of the most critical challenges facing the country today is the problem of unemployment and underemployment. As of December 2024, the Labor Force Survey showed there are still 1.63 million unemployed Filipinos. While the government has made strides, many Filipinos still struggle to find stable, well-paying jobs. So, instead of engaging in partisan bickering, political leaders should focus on how to create meaningful employment opportunities across industries. Instead of cash aid that serves as a band-aid solution to financial woes, political leaders should come up with livelihood programs to enable the vulnerable sector to enjoy long-term solutions to their economic problem.

It is time to move beyond promises and start implementing concrete, sustainable measures that will equip the youth, women, and marginalized sectors with the skills and resources they need to secure employment. Both should promote entrepreneurship, enhance technical-vocational education, and encourage investments in critical sectors such as agriculture, technology, and green energy.

Alongside job creation, the rising prices of basic commodities have become an ever-pressing issue for Filipino households. Inflation has been a constant thorn in the side of many families, eroding purchasing power and deepening the poverty gap. Instead of casting blame on each other for the country’s economic struggles, both sides of the political spectrum should come up with a comprehensive approach to tackle inflation. While there are no simple solutions, strategies that address supply chain disruptions, improve agricultural productivity, and ensure more equitable distribution of resources are critical.

Instead of throwing shade at each other, the administration and opposition must shift their focus to the common good. Political campaigns should be platforms for presenting solutions to problems that plague the nation, not stages for petty squabbles. Both sides of the political spectrum must challenge themselves to move beyond their entrenched positions and show the Filipino electorate that they are serious about solving the nation’s problems, and not just about winning elections. The Filipino people deserve more.

This is why we call on the administration and the opposition to demonstrate the leadership that this country so desperately needs. Focus on the issues that truly matter—jobs, rising prices, and the well-being of all Filipinos.

Let this election be a turning point in Philippine politics, where the bar is raised and the true work of governance begins. It’s time for those seeking elective positions to rise above the usual political rhetoric and focus on addressing the problems affecting the country.

Bear in mind, the future of the Philippines depends on you.