Senate today: Why are we shooting ourselves in the foot?

What’s happening to our country? Why are we allowing this to happen? Why are we shooting ourselves in the foot?

Historically, the Senate has played a vital role in protecting democratic institutions and ensuring that government remains responsive to the people. It has been home to many of the country’s most respected statesmen, who understood that while political disagreements were inevitable, the national interest had to remain paramount.

Unfortunately, what many Filipinos are seeing today is a Senate increasingly consumed by partisan conflicts, media spectacle and political positioning, seeming to forget the significant difference between responsible oversight and political theater, or that constructive criticism is not the same as endless political warfare.

Instead of focusing on legislation that can improve the lives of ordinary Filipinos, public attention is often diverted to issues that appear designed more to generate headlines than solutions. The timing could not be worse, considering that the Philippines stands at a critical moment in its history. Opportunities before us are immense, but so are the challenges.

Watching from Washington, D.C., I am constantly reminded that the world is changing at an extraordinary pace, with the global economy being reshaped by technological advancements, artificial intelligence, supply-chain realignments and intensifying competition among major powers. Countries throughout Asia are racing to attract investments, create jobs, strengthen industries and position themselves for the future.

The Philippines should be doing the same. Under the current leadership of President Marcos Jr., the country has significantly strengthened its international partnerships, reaching unprecedented levels of cooperation as demonstrated by the President’s successful visit to Japan, which has become one of the Philippines’ most dependable security partners.

Japan has supported the modernization of our Armed Forces and Coast Guard through equipment transfers, training programs and capacity-building initiatives. Japanese assistance has strengthened our maritime awareness and enhanced our ability to monitor and protect our territorial waters. This growing security partnership reflects a shared understanding that economic prosperity and national security are closely linked, as investors seek stability and businesses require predictability.

As ASEAN chair in 2026, the Philippines enjoys a level of international visibility and influence that comes only once in a generation. Investors are taking a fresh look at our country – and this is precisely the moment when our political institutions should be projecting stability, maturity and confidence.

Foreign investors are paying attention. They look beyond economic statistics and watch political developments closely. Before making long-term commitments, investors ask simple but important questions: Is the political environment stable? Are government institutions functioning effectively? Can policies be implemented consistently? Is there a clear focus on economic growth and national development?

These questions matter because investment decisions often involve billions of dollars and thousands of jobs. Political instability comes with a cost. Whenever investors perceive uncertainty, they become more cautious. Every political crisis increases risk perceptions. Prolonged political confrontations send signals that national priorities may be taking a backseat to political ambitions.

Investors who become uncomfortable can easily direct their resources elsewhere. Vietnam continues to attract major manufacturing investments. Indonesia is aggressively pursuing industrial expansion. Other ASEAN neighbors are positioning themselves to benefit from global economic shifts. Competition for investments has never been more intense.

The Philippines cannot afford to create doubts about its commitment to stability and progress. This is why the role of the Senate is so important.

The challenges we face are serious enough without adding unnecessary political distractions: external security concerns in the West Philippine Sea; the AFP modernization program that requires sustained support; economic competitiveness remains a constant challenge; the rapid emergence of AI and new technologies demand forward-looking policies.

These are issues that will shape the country’s future for decades and deserve the full attention of our leaders. Instead, too much energy is devoted to conflicts that do little to improve the lives of ordinary Filipinos.

One of the great lessons of history is that nations rarely fail because they lack potential. More often, they fail because they squander opportunities through division, complacency and short-sightedness.

The Philippines has spent decades trying to achieve its economic breakthrough. Today, we may finally be approaching that moment. Our economy remains among the stronger performers in the region. International partnerships are expanding. Investor interest continues to grow. The country’s strategic importance has never been greater.

These advantages should unite us around a common purpose.

Political differences will always exist. That is the nature of democracy. Healthy debate should be encouraged. Accountability must always be upheld.

But there comes a point when leaders and everyone in public service must ask themselves: are our actions helping move the country forward, or are they holding it back? Are our pronouncements inflaming tensions (as seen in the physical altercation that happened outside the Senate last Thursday)?

Nations lose not because they lack opportunity but because they become distracted, divided and consumed by internal disputes while the rest of the world moves forward.

The Senate has every right – and indeed every obligation – to exercise oversight and uphold accountability, but it also has a responsibility to help move the nation forward. At this critical moment, the real contest is not between political factions or personalities – it’s between nations competing for prosperity, security and relevance in a rapidly changing world.

Filipinos are not looking for more political drama. They want solutions, and they need leaders focused on governing.

History will not remember who won the loudest political argument but those who helped build a stronger Philippines. The opportunities are before us. The whole world is watching.

Some Fil-Ams told me, “At the rate we’re going, we need adult supervision.”

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