Amid a worsening national crisis, what options are available to the citizenry for building a viable future?

Former Finance Secretary Jesus Estanislao reaffirms the vital importance of good governance as the keystone foundation. Pointing out that the national malaise has been brought about by the inability of the highest leaders to evoke public confidence, he proposes a five-point road map, as follows:

First: “Form a broad National Governance Council (NGC) within civil society.” Second: “Launch a constitutionally-grounded roadmap for the next three years.” Third: “Demand immediate governance reforms within the executive.” Fourth: “Mobilize a ‘civic responsibility movement’ nationwide.” Fifth: “Build institutional transformation platforms across national government agencies (NGAs) and local government units (LGUs).”

Far from being a wide-eyed optimist, the proponent is a hard-nosed realist with a credible track record of modeling and demonstrating the power of good governance. Through the Institute for Solidarity in Asia (ISA) that he founded at the onset of the 21st century, many traditional institutions, including the national army and police, have been transformed through the efforts of enlightened leaders who have installed performance governance systems (PGS) that work and deliver results.

The foregoing prescriptions are detailed by Dr. Estanislao in the column entitled “A possible way out of the crisis” that he wrote for the Management Association of the Philippines (MAP) at the start of the week (Inquirer, Dec. 29, 2025).

For starters, he advocates the establishment of “a nonpartisan coalition composed of business groups, universities, professional associations, churches and NGOs (that) can craft a national governance agenda, monitor government performance and mobilize public pressure—all within constitutional space.”

Secondly, the foregoing NGC shall craft a practicable work plan designed to enable the country to steer reforms that will strengthen political parties, inject economic vitality and institutionalize accountability mechanisms. This builds upon the Dream Philippines 2046 roadmap drafted in 2022 and envisioned as the capstone or landmark achievement for celebrating the centennial anniversary of Philippine independence.

Reform is envisioned to be achieved within the framework of the 1987 Constitution, counting upon major stakeholders, such us business, NGOs, churches, and the academe to “unite to embed maka-Diyos, makatao, makakalikasan, makabansa values across society.” This is seen as the antidote to “the three-headed hydra: lack of civic responsibility, entrenched corruption and persistent poverty.”

Thirdly, a “reform-oriented Cabinet cluster” shall be empowered to implement performance scorecards for all agencies under the baton of a “credible, nonpartisan executive secretary.” This is a most challenging scenario that may not be readily achievable. Assembling and orchestrating a unified and cohesive Cabinet takes time and involves good chemistry among the individuals composing it — definitely a tall order that is both not impossible and not highly probable, too.

Fourthly, and to reiterate, mobilizing a “civic responsibility movement” nationwide involves bringing about good chemistry among sectoral leaders could not be achieved realistically within a short period. However, we should be mindful that the current crisis has also reinforced the sense of urgency immanent among civic-conscious sectors. They are capable of stepping up to the plate and installing reforms propelled by a groundswell of popular sentiment. Is it possible that change could be engineered by an elite core of enlightened civic leaders? Dr. Estanislao hints at the answer: “Culture change begins with citizens, not politicians.”

Finally, institutional transformation platforms must be built across NGAs and LGUs. It is easier to think in terms of capable LGU executives like Pasig City’s Mayor Vico Sotto than to specify well-performing Cabinet secretaries and heads of departments. But, for starters, we wish to cite the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) headed by Secretary Ernesto Perez that has worked quietly behind the scenes to deliver prompt action on citizens’ complaints. As pointed out by Dr. Estanislao, the efficacy of scorecard-based governance models has been tested and proven in the crucible of crisis and challenge.

For the past two weeks, social media and traditional media platforms have been dominated by news about corruption in government that broke out like a dam with the dramatic exposés surrounding ghost flood control projects that, in turn, cast a giant shadow over the crafting of the national budget in both the House of Representatives and the Senate. Through the Christmas holidays, Congress leaders have worked to hammer out a General Appropriations Bill totaling ₱6.793 trillion that was ratified by both houses last Monday, Dec. 29 and transmitted forthwith to the Office of the President.

It is expected that the final General Appropriations Act will be signed by President Marcos during the week starting Jan. 5, 2026, following the Christmas and New Year holidays.

We join our citizenry in fervent hope and prayers that the New Year will usher in hope and opportunity in our beloved country.

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