Filipinos demand solutions, not political theater
In the past few weeks, the Filipino public has witnessed an unprecedented level of divisiveness in government, particularly within the august halls of the Senate. It has become a venue for chaos and discord.
It seems that lately, every day brings a new controversy. Our senators, who were elected to craft laws and champion the public interest, appear more focused on creating conflict and political drama than on doing the work they were elected to do.
The political actors have been too focused on social media content and protecting their political side instead of prioritizing discussion on pending legislation that can help the Filipino people struggling in this economic crisis.
But despite everything taking place in the Senate, ordinary Filipinos continue to grind every day, hoping that our political leaders will soon turn their attention to improving the economy and raising the quality of life for all.
A Stratbase-commissioned survey by Pulse Asia, conducted between February 27 and March 2 this year, identified what Filipinos considered to be their most urgent concern. Out of 1,200 respondents from across the country, 41% said they wanted to lower the cost of food, particularly rice, meat, and fish. Another 24% cited job creation and livelihood opportunities as priorities.
Note that the survey was conducted before the full effects of the Middle East conflict became apparent. Since then, concerns about rising prices have likely intensified, while the need for stable jobs and reliable sources of income has persisted in these more trying times.
These survey results should give our leaders from both camps an idea of what their constituents want from them: not tantrums, not hiding from law enforcement, and not orchestrated drama, but a consistent focus on the gut issues hounding the Filipino people.
For many Filipino families, these are not abstract policy issues but concerns that directly affect their ability to afford basic necessities and maintain economic security.
At the same time, foreign influence that challenges and threatens our national sovereignty and national interest is another issue that strikes at the core of our being. As the Philippines marks the 10th anniversary of the landmark 2016 arbitral ruling, Filipinos should be reminded that the country's maritime rights in the West Philippine Sea are firmly grounded in international law.
Given that the country's maritime rights are firmly grounded in international law, it is difficult to understand why some leaders still hesitate to defend them. They have a responsibility to protect these rights and ensure that Philippine interests remain the primary consideration in matters affecting the country's security and sovereignty.
Yet challenges to national interest today extend beyond territorial waters and military coercion.
Recent operations by state and non-state actors have expanded from the physical to the cyber realm. Cybersecurity breaches take a toll on individuals' privacy, safety, and financial well-being. But influence operations alter people's perception of reality, suspend their critical thinking, and do damage to democracy.
We commemorated Independence Day yesterday. More than ever, we should be mindful of what constitutes the public good. Political bickering will not serve that purpose. Neither will we refuse to take a stand against obvious affronts to our sovereignty.
We can either focus on real gut issues or allow division, self-interest, and foreign influence to keep us trapped in instability and economic struggle.
At this crucial time, when the country faces significant economic and security challenges, the Philippines cannot afford to remain divided on issues that directly affect the welfare of its people. Political alignment should not be based on personalities, political camps, or partisan interests, but on a shared commitment to policies and reforms that improve the lives of ordinary Filipinos.
The same challenge extends to our leaders, who should be judged by their ability to address citizens' concerns rather than by political affiliations. More than anybody, they must be the embodiment of unity and stability and should take the lead in finding solutions to long-standing issues that ail the nation. Political agendas should not fuel further discord and sow division within an already fractured country.
The question we must ask ourselves now is: who stands to gain from this division, misinformation, and political instability? We know that Filipinos benefit the most from a transparent and accountable government, a strong economy, and sustained national development. Everyone is called upon to make a principled choice to promote and defend these shared goals and to reject those that undermine their interests.
Ultimately, the side that deserves support is the side that advances the interests of the Filipino people. This means supporting leaders who work to lower the cost of living, create jobs, strengthen democratic institutions, attract investments, promote transparency, and defend Philippine sovereignty. National interest should serve as the country's common ground because the future of the Philippines will depend not on political loyalties but on the collective willingness to prioritize what is best for the nation.
As we move forward in the coming days, we expect that instead of an escalation in political rhetoric, those in power will abandon notions of self-glorification and focus on the things that truly matter to Filipinos. There is much work that needs to be done — laws that need to be passed or amended, and investigations that need to uncover the truth and separate it from fabrication.
The tenth anniversary of the arbitral award is also approaching. It should remind us that while the ruling remains a landmark legal victory for the Philippines, translating legal rights into realities on the water requires constant vigilance, national resolve, and sustained support for the communities whose livelihoods depend on our maritime domain, particularly our fisherfolk.
We urge our leaders to take just one side — the people's side from all three islands. Filipinos need to see that those entrusted with public office are guided not by political colors or personal protection, but by a genuine commitment to improve lives, defend national interests and strengthen democratic institutions. At a time when the country needs leadership, solutions, and unity, the only side worth taking is the side of the Filipino people.
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Rupert Paul Manhit is the COO and managing director of think tank Stratbase Group. He is the executive director of Philippine Trade Foundation (Phils Inc.)
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