The passage of the 2025 budget, dubbed the most corrupt ever, exposes the reality of criminal rule at the highest levels of government. The legislative and executive branches have abandoned checks and balances, undermining democracy and enriching themselves at the expense of the people.
The passage of the 2025 budget, labeled as the most corrupt ever, has unveiled a stark reality: this nation is governed by criminals occupying the highest positions in both the executive and legislative branches. Their actions have effectively obliterated the concept of ' checks and balances ,' a fundamental pillar of good governance.
The separation of powers, enshrined in our 1935 and 1987 constitutions and a cornerstone of our democracy, has been reduced to a mere facade by our political leadership. Consider the legislative branch, comprising the two houses – the Senate and the House of Representatives – tasked with the creation and amendment of laws. They also wield the 'power of the purse,' allocating funds for specific purposes through legislation. In essence, they oversee and control the spending of the executive branch, encompassing the presidency, including the Office of the Vice President, often viewed as the president's adversary.The executive, in turn, proposes spending plans to Congress, aligning with its authority to enforce laws and command the military. Metaphorically, this corresponds to the 'power of the sword'; its role is to protect the nation from harm. However, the reality deviates drastically from this ideal. The legislative branch has allowed the bicameral conference committee (bicam) to supposedly reconcile conflicting provisions, resulting in the formulation of a completely different allocation protocol. This budgetary process is characterized by a lack of transparency and accountability, employing opaque practices.One glaring example is the use of the unconstitutional 'pork barrel,' a system where funds are allocated for personal gain. This manifests in the P26 billion 'Ayuda sa Kapos ang Kita Program' (AKAP) funds, conceived by the House speaker, aimed at propelling him to the presidency in 2028. Despite the Senate's initial objections, P5 billion was used to silence senators, while the remaining P21 billion satisfied the lower house's greed, facilitated by the bicam, an entity absent from the Constitution. Yet, it operates with impunity, making decisions behind closed doors in the proverbial 'smoke-filled rooms.' Subsequently, in a seemingly theatrical 'line-item veto,' President Marcos, complicit in this travesty, left this pork intact in the budget. With this collusion, we can anticipate the Marcos-Romualdez cabal utilizing this stolen public resource to secure the election of their political allies in local government units. This, in turn, will influence the selection of district representatives, crucial to Martin Romualdez's ambition to retain his speakership as a springboard to the presidency in 2028.The incoming Senate could present a different scenario. Their nationwide election grants them a status akin to the presidency. Historically, the Senate has served as a launchpad for presidential aspirations. The Marcos-Romualdez cabal needs to secure their loyalty. Out of the 12 chosen Marcos-Romualdez 2025 Senate candidates, five incumbent re-electionists have a good chance of winning: the fourth-termers Pia Cayetano, Lito Lapid, and Bong Revilla, as well as Imee Marcos and Francis Tolentino on their first full term. Adding to this list are the possible returns of three seasoned politicians: Tito Sotto, running for his fifth Senate term, Panfilo Lacson seeking his fourth, and Manny Pacquiao in his second bid. These eight senators out of 12 would secure a third of the 2025 Senate for the Marcos-Romualdez coalition. However, the Senate's institution may be further compromised by the entry of two Tulfo siblings, completing a family of three: Raffy, Erwin, and Ben. Currently, we have two sets of siblings, the Cayetanos and Ejercito/Estrada, and a mother/son pair, Cynthia and Mark Villar. On the horizon are children and sibling-substitutes, indecently waiting for their turn. Before long, this chamber will likely be dominated by political dynasties and family clans.On January 13, citizens from all walks of life gathered to protest this impunity and massive plunder of the people's treasury. The Iglesia Ni Kristo (INK) called for its nationwide membership to express indignation through peaceful rallies. However, trolls have flooded social media, portraying this show of force as anti-Marcos and pro-Sara Duterte, a claim refuted by INK.Conversely, similar rallies, particularly in the Duterte stronghold, are taking place, but with a twist – they champion the cause of their family, specifically the vice president, and openly oppose Marcos. This serves to divert attention from the family's own misdeeds. Nonetheless, all these demonstrations could be a response to former Supreme Court Justice Antonio Carpio's declaration on social media: '...The halls of Congress and the Senate reek of betrayal. This is no longer just a circus — it is a grand heist, a vicious mockery of the Filipino people's sacrifices... our so-called leaders are busy looting not just our wealth but our very dignity.
Corruption Budget Politics Philippines Marcos Romualdez Senate Democracy Checks And Balances
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