As another year ends and a new one begins, I find myself reflecting not only on my personal journey but also on the state of our nation.
Even as a senior citizen, I continue to work, pay my taxes, and contribute in my own way to the country I love. Like many Filipinos, I want to welcome the new year with hope – hope for new opportunities, hope for a better Philippines, and hope for a better 2026 for everyone.
But over the years, I have learned that hope must be paired with vigilance.
This year pulled back the curtain on a truth we all know is deeply entrenched in our system, yet often overlooked: corruption. Except this time, the flood control scandal is the latest face of what corruption has stolen from us as a nation.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. himself exposed the large-scale corruption in government infrastructure projects. “Mahiya naman kayo” was his strong message during his 4th State of the Nation Address to corrupt officials behind billions lost to either ghost or substandard projects.
The flood control scandal did not just steal money from the Filipino people – it robbed us of quality infrastructure that could have pushed our country forward, claimed lives, disrupted livelihoods, left communities vulnerable, derailed progress, and betrayed public trust.
For hardworking Filipinos who dutifully pay taxes, it is disheartening and infuriating to see our hard-earned contributions fill the pockets of the greedy who are supposed to serve us, not steal from us.
Yet, despite everything that has happened this year to our country, I believe we cannot afford to give up hope.
Hope is what keeps us moving forward and pushes us to aim for a better Philippines – not only for ourselves but for the next generation. But hope must be grounded in vigilance. We must learn from the past year’s lessons and demand better from those in public office.
As taxpayers and citizens, it is our duty to remain vigilant. It is not enough to simply complain about corruption. We must continue to demand accountability from those in office, follow the news, and require transparency in the use of public funds. The flood control scandal should not die with the news cycle.
Vigilance is not about cynicism; it is about protecting our collective hope for a better Philippines. When we pay our taxes, we are entrusting government with funds that are supposed to be used for the public good – so it is only right that we monitor how the government uses them.
Change begins when vigilance turns into action, because silence only allows corruption to thrive.
In 2026, I hope that we work towards strengthening our institutions to prevent another corruption scandal of this magnitude. When institutions are weak, corruption thrives. When institutions are strong, corruption is exposed and punished. Agencies tasked with oversight must be empowered to investigate and act. Courts must be independent and fair. The media should be free to report without fear or favor to keep power in check.
At the same time, we must call on our leaders to act with integrity. While we have all heard it said countless times, the saying remains true: public office is a public trust. Those in public office must keep in mind that they are public servants, not masters of the people. Public funds are not their personal property.
Despite all that has happened this year, I remain hopeful because I believe in the Filipino spirit. Time and again, we have shown how strong our spirit is as a nation. This gives me the confidence that we can rise above corruption.
The new year is a time for fresh beginnings. Let us use it as an opportunity to renew our commitment to our country. Let us resolve to be active citizens, not passive observers. Let us resolve to be hopeful, but also watchful.
Throughout my life, I have seen many ups and downs in our nation’s history. I have seen moments of progress and moments of disappointment. But I have never lost faith in the Filipino people. I will continue to do my share, in my own little way, to somehow serve our country and be of service to the people./
