Let’s stand up in indignation against rampant corruption

South Korean lawmakers set an example for democracies around the world. At around 10 p.m. on Dec. 3, 2024, South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol declared martial law. It evoked a swift and decisive response. By 1 a.m. of the following day, Yoon’s declaration was thwarted by legislators who outmaneuvered military forces to ensure that the National Assembly could vote to nullify his decree.

But what truly demonstrated the strength of South Korean democracy is how rapidly civil society has been mobilized to defend and protect democratic institutions, even in the middle of the night. South Korea faced and overcame an unprecedented political crisis in just roughly three hours.

We Filipinos can, and we must learn from this event. Of course, our challenge is more demanding. Our politicians are a far cry from their South Korean counterparts.

The executive’s action through the Department of Finance to transfer PhilHealth’s “excess” funds amounting to P89.9 billion to the national treasury to fund powerholders’ pet programs outside the national budget, thus circumventing the prohibition of pork barrel, is one such instance, calling for public outcry.

The various hearings that the House of Representatives and the Senate hold supposedly “in aid of legislation” are another. These hearings have become occasions for grandstanding of certain political interests, which, at best, is nothing more than a tamasha for television viewers. What legislative measures have stemmed from these hearings? Consider, for instance, the various highly publicized quad comm investigations – the connection between illegal Philippine offshore gambling operators, illegal drugs, extrajudicial killings, and human rights violations during former president Rodrigo Duterte’s bloody war on drugs—that ended without vital legislative measures put forth or institutional reforms that the public could appreciate.

Let’s make indignation loud and clear against rampant and unrestrained corruption fueled in large part by a Congress, which is oblivious to amending our bank secrecy law to conform with international standards for tackling the flow of money arising from all sorts of illegal activities. A people’s indignation at Congress’ displays of callousness, now counting 37 years, in passing the law prohibiting political dynasties despite the constitutional mandate. A people’s indignation at the 2025 General Appropriations Act labeled as austerity for the poor but gives huge budgets for pork and patronage and infrastructure for the rich.

There is so much injustice. There should be anger and outrage. Remember, we showed the world that we, the people, have brought about a regime change through peaceful protest. We must not abandon that strength. Let us stand up and be counted.

In this season of hope, let us rekindle our dream not just for ourselves but for our children and our children’s children, and be reminded that in the ordinary, God does the extraordinary.