As the 2025 national midterm election draws near, invited experts stressed the importance of transparency, accountability, and pro-people governance in the country’s current political landscape in a forum hosted by Ateneo de Davao University.
Former Bayan Muna Partylist Representative Karlos Isagani Zarate underscored the need for government spending to align strictly with the national budget to ensure that public funds serve the people.
“In our country today, for the longest time, we are budgeting beyond our budget. That’s why we are on a budget deficit. That is affecting not only the kind of governance but especially the kind of services that our government is supposed to deliver to our people,” Zarate said.
Zarate further explained that the problem lies in how the budget is being utilized by those in positions of power.
“The real problem here is not the personalities, the real problem here, especially is on how our high officials treated our public funds… Nagkadako na nagkadako ang budget sa confidential funds, nagkadako na nagkadako ang budget sa unprogrammed funds, ang nawad-an og budget, ang social services.”
Zarate also called attention to the 2025 Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) budget, labeling it a constitutional violation.
“It is a violation of the constitution when President Marcos certifies that it is urgent na ipasa ang 2024 budget into the wing, didto dayun nila gipang-insert ang daghan kaayo na anomalous nga provisions,” Zarate said.
Union of Peoples’ Lawyers in Mindanao Vice Chairperson Joel Mahinay highlighted the importance of impeachment as a means to hold leaders accountable, specifically touching on Vice President Sara Duterte’s case.
“The impeachment trial faced by the Vice President today is yet another test of our nation’s resolve to combat corruption,” Mahinay said.
After laying down the basics and factors of the impeachment process, Mahinay argued that it is one of the ways to hold leaders accountable and deter further abuse of power.
“True instability comes from unchecked corruption, holding our leaders accountable through legal means strengthens democracy and deters further abuses. It will serve as [a] deterrent to future abuses of power. Allowing corruption to persist is what will weaken our constitution and our governance.”
Zarate echoed the same sentiment, emphasizing how it is a way for people to exercise democracy within the country.
“Impeachment per se is not really bad because that is the mechanism of accountability that our sovereign Filipino people placed in the constitution to make our high officials accountable.”
Breaking the cycle of political dynasties
Political Science and History Department Chairperson Rhodalie Emilio discussed the influence of patronage politics and political dynasties, asserting that it still persists even to this day.
“Despite the 1987 Constitution’s attempts to curtail them, political dynasties continue to play a significant role in Philippine politics by providing their constituents with advantages and services.”
In the panel discussion, Emilio raised a point condemning the existence of political dynasties as it only strips people of the right to also participate in the processes of the state’s governing power.
“Realistically speaking, when you think about democracy, it’s all about representation and political participation, alternation and contestation; the existence of political dynasties deprives us of these things.”
Zarate reinforced this, affirming that the dynamics of the communities are disrupted by the presence of dynastic rule inside its government.
“Ang dynasty jud, ginaguba niya ang dynamism not only sa democratic processes but nawala na ang pagiging dynamic ng isang community if for the longest time [it is] ruled by dynasties.”
Youth’s role in shaping the future
Mahinay urged the youth to be more participative towards the political events happening in the country right now, demanding collective actions to end these issues.
“In the midst of these political events, [we] call for civic engagement. It urges the youth to uphold democracy, demand transparency, and hold leaders accountable…The future depends on our actions today.”
Ateneo de Manila University School of Governance Dean Philip Arnold P. Tuaño also called for the students to raise awareness, initiate community projects, and advocate for policies in the midst of these problems, particularly in response to inflation and economic issues.
“It’s important for students to deepen their economic literacy to inform decision making… They can raise awareness, organize forums, discussions, and social media campaigns… participate in dialogues with the government to implement the correct policies.”
Assistant to the University President for Advocacy and Legal Affairs Atty. Romeo Cabarde Jr. closed the discussion by emphasizing the need for people to nurture their loyalty towards the Philippines and the Filipino people, not toward any figures aiming to sit in the office.
“It is clear and unequivocal. Remember, beyond policies and personalities, what truly matters is our commitment to the Philippines; not to any politician, not to any political family, but to the Filipino people. Piliin natin ang Pilipinas, piliin ang bayan, bantayan ang gobyerno.”
“Let us reject complacency, let us reject blind loyalty, let us reject the idea that we are powerless because, under this constitution, we [people] are the most powerful because the constitution has entrusted the sovereign power to the people.”
BANTAYanihan: A Call for Transparency, Accountability, and Pro-People Governance was organized by the University Community Engagement and Advocacy Council (UCEAC) together with various student organizations and committees with the aim of promoting participatory democracy among students.
The event was held last March 5, 2025 at the 4th Floor, Martin Hall, Ateneo de Davao University.