The year opened with the much anticipated signing of the national budget amounting to ₱6.793 trillion, touted as an upgrade from previous spending plans. Surrounded by cabinet members, legislators from both Houses in Congress, and members of the drafting and review committees of the 2026 budget, President Marcos signed the national budget amidst warm acclamation. But critics, including the Makati Business Club (MBC) noted that safeguards on the release of the “ayuda” (assistance funds) were not sufficient. It added that President Marcos could have taken a more aggressive stance on constitutionally questionable unprogrammed allocations (UAs). Verbal reassurance is not enough as the current safeguards are still untested. This means that sooner or later, patronage could become a norm. Other business groups - the Financial Executives Institute and the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry welcomed the removal of some UAs and a close scrutiny on the budget implementation. The selective veto was seen as sparing big graft-prone items such as the “soft pork” programs of agencies like the Department of Social Welfare and Development, the Department of Labor and Employment and the Department of Health which consists of assistance to those in crisis situations, the disadvantaged and displaced workers and medical assistance to indigents.

Then there is the larger sector - civil society groups consisting of some 120 organizations and 200 individuals from academe, the Church, and other groups which had expressed their disgust by urging the implementation of systemic reforms that are transparent and accountable, including prison terms for a number of “big fish” from Congress, the Department of Public Works and Highways and contractors. While government had responded by setting up the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI), it did not have enough power. True enough, two left leaving only one member to carry on.

Among some of the early responses to the flood control mess came from both houses of Congress with at least three bills considered critical in addressing corruption. One is the anti-dynasty bill, and to date, the bill filed by Senator Kiko Pangilinan which appears to be the more acceptable by most sectors. The bill bans multiple family members within the second degree of consanguinity in affinity from holding or running for public office simultaneously thereby prohibiting political dynasties as defined by law. Surveys had shown that 55.13 percent of Filipinos want an ant-dynasty law.

A disturbing development here and in many countries is democratic erosion and the rise of “authoritarian populism.” In the country the more popular political parties are led by personalistic and charismatic leaders. This erosion of democracy has been fueled by our inability to curb persistent poverty, and the full recognition of rights of certain minority groups such as our indigenous people. As we start gearing up for the 2028 national election, we need to examine the gains we have made in the social inclusion of our minorities - including LGBTQ’s and those living on the fringes of our society. As we now review our Constitution, let us examine the gains we have made in integrating their rights in our political parties.

Reforms in the party-list system have been proposed to restore the original purpose of espousing marginalized and under-represented sectors. Changes include an enhanced screening by the Comelec in that it would conduct evidentiary hearings to verify that the party-list groups genuinely represent their claimed sectors and that their nominees are legitimate members; release and extension of deadlines for registration and certified list of eligible organizations in order to foster transparency and participation; and that accountability be required through submission of at least six nominees who shall be approved by their organizations.

These conditions are based on “alarming” data from the election watchdog, “Kontra Daya” which revealed that 86 out of 156 accredited party-list groups that won during the last election had connections with political parties and business interests. The proposed legislation by Sen. Bam Aquino introduces concrete changes such as enhanced screening; extended deadlines; and stricter nominee rules in the party-list would be required to submit at least six nominees. To prevent abuse, individuals who are relatives within the third degree of any incumbent elected officials will be banned.

In summary, while the main challenge in 2026 appears to be the creation of a sustainable blueprint for socio-economic-political change through new legislation and institutions, the most important driving force is a transformed citizenry with a clear and comprehensive vision of the future. I suggest that a review of political party platforms be done during the next two years like what the Liberal Party and perhaps other groups are doing now. This would place emphasis on inclusion at all fronts – social, economic, political. This means doing away with generalities about our vision of society. We can’t afford to do that while we, like several other countries are being threatened and bamboozled by a stronger nation which we had expected to help us attain our potential. Venezuela is the latest example, and clearly, one reason is economic. Our country’s rich resources in the West Philippine Sea continues to be under threat. We can only protect ourselves and our resources by strengthening our sense of patriotism – responding to opportunity and threat with transparency, unity, and a heart beating as one. ([email protected])