Preparing for the future amid corruption and uncertainty

Everywhere we turn, conversations in the Philippines are filled with frustration.

The headlines scream of corruption—scandals in Congress, questionable infrastructure spending at the Department of Public Works and Highways, and contractors enriching themselves while projects suffer.

For many Filipinos, this feels like a broken record we’ve heard for decades.

We get angry, and rightly so. We feel betrayed, especially when we see billions wasted while ordinary Pinoys work tirelessly just to put food on the table.

This loss of confidence in our institutions and leaders affects not only our trust but also our economy. Investors hold back. Markets react negatively. Business confidence dips. And for the average Juan or Juana, it seems like the future is as uncertain as ever.

But here’s the truth I’ve learned after nearly four decades in the financial industry: while we can’t do much about the national economy, we can do a lot for our personal economy.

And that’s where our focus must remain.

Acknowledge the anger, but act wisely

First, let me say this: your frustration is valid. It’s painful to watch hard-earned taxes end up in the pockets of the corrupt. It’s discouraging to know that decisions made in air-conditioned boardrooms and political halls ripple down to the streets where people sell “taho,” drive jeepneys or line up at remittance centers.

But anger, while understandable, cannot be our financial plan. If we let bitterness dictate our actions, we risk neglecting our families’ future.

The corrupt may rob the nation, but we cannot let frustration rob us of hope, discipline and stewardship.

Markets react, but life goes on

Yes, corruption shakes confidence. Investors withdraw. Foreign funds hesitate. Stock prices swing. The peso weakens. Inflation creeps up. These are real effects of a system people no longer trust.

But markets, as unpredictable as they are, also remind us of one thing: life goes on. Businesses still operate. People still buy food, pay bills, send kids to school. And the disciplined still save, invest and prepare.

During the 1997 Asian Financial Crisis, the 2008 Global Recession, and the pandemic in 2020, Filipinos who were prepared financially were shaken, but not destroyed. They may have tightened belts, but they endured. Those who were unprepared, however, fell into deeper debt and despair.

The lesson is clear: uncertainty is guaranteed, but preparedness is optional.

What we can do for our personal economy

We may not control government spending or stop corrupt deals overnight, but we do control how we manage our money at home. This is where preparation matters most.

• Build an emergency fund: Life is unpredictable. Corruption may weaken the peso, but it’s an unexpected hospital bill that will crush you if you’re not ready. Start setting aside at least three to six months’ worth of expenses.
• Stay out of bad debt: Corrupt leaders already steal from us; don’t let interest payments steal more. Credit card debt, unnecessary loans and unwise borrowing trap us in cycles of poverty.
• Invest for the long term: Markets will always go up and down, especially when confidence is low. But history shows that long-term investors always do better than those who panic. Whether it’s mutual funds, unit investment trust funds, real estate investment trusts, or direct stocks, stay disciplined.
• Protect your family: Insurance is not a luxury; it’s a necessity. Corruption may drain national funds for health care and disaster response, but you can secure protection for your loved ones today.
• Plan for retirement: Do not assume that government pensions will be enough. With corruption eating into national reserves, it’s foolish to rely solely on public support. Invest and prepare for your later years now.

Stewardship in the midst of broken systems

The Bible tells us in Proverbs 13:11 (ESV): “Wealth gained hastily will dwindle, but whoever gathers little by little will increase it.”

Even in a corrupt environment, the principle of stewardship remains. Little by little, peso by peso, day by day—we can prepare for the future that God has entrusted to us.

This doesn’t mean we stop caring about the nation. By all means, let’s continue demanding accountability and reform. Let’s vote wisely, support honest leaders and hold institutions to higher standards.

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But as we fight for a better Philippines, let’s also fight for better homes, better families and better personal economies.

Because at the end of the day, while systemic corruption may take years—or generations—to solve, our personal decisions start today.

The hope that anchors us

I often remind people: the best investments are not just financial but eternal.

Our ultimate confidence is not in the government, markets or even our savings accounts—it is in God who provides. Still, trusting God is not an excuse for laziness or neglect. Stewardship is worship. Preparing is obedience.

Yes, we are frustrated. Yes, we are angry. But let’s not allow corruption to paralyze us. Instead, let’s prepare with wisdom, discipline and faith.

Because while we can do very little about the national economy, we can do much for our personal economy. And when more Filipinos take this seriously, maybe—just maybe—we’ll also have a stronger foundation for the nation’s economy in the future.

The cry for “no corruption” in the Philippines is a cry for justice, and it is right to long for it. But while we wait for the system to change, let’s make sure our personal systems are working. Let’s make sure our households are ready. Let’s make sure our families are protected.

Preparedness is not ignoring the problem. Preparedness is refusing to be its next victim.

Randell Tiongson is a registered financial planner at RFP Philippines. To learn more about personal financial planning, attend the 114th RFP program this January 2026. Email info@rfp.ph or visit rfp.ph to learn more about the program.