Let’s support change: for the common good

Understanding of ‘public interest’ and ‘political integrity’

Political integrity means exercising political power consistently in the public interest, independent from private interests, and not using power to maintain the office holder’s own wealth and position.

Understandings of ‘public interest’ are ever evolving and at times hotly debated. What is clear, is that political integrity is only possible when safeguards exist throughout the political process:

1. The process to elect, appoint or select those who hold power is free from the undue influence of vested interests.

2. That all stakeholders have inclusive, open and meaningful opportunities to equally influence decision-making.

Political decisions and power holders are subject to scrutiny by the public and institutional checks and face consequences for using power for private gain.

Undisclosed, unchecked, or undue influence over the powerful skews resources and policies away from the common good. It perpetuates inequality, undermines democracy and deprives people of their human rights.

I enjoyed the article of Ramon del Rosario in the Inquirer last week, saying “Our voices mattered – but more needs to be done”. His first paragraph supports my story: “The 2025 midterm elections in the Philippines may well be remembered not just for the winners they produced, but for the quiet, powerful wave of change that swept through polling precincts across the country. This is wave-powered by young, well-educated voters who showed up, spoke up, and reshaped the narrative of Philippine democracy.”

In my view, LGUs and the Private Sector, including NGOs, need to work together.

Rightsizing – is it needed

The regulatory mania of the authorities can be excessive, and many rules are pointless and contradictory, and sometimes incomprehensible and obstructive.

The following urgently needs to happen: Fundamental dismantling of bureaucratic obstacles, simplification of rules, automation/digitization of processes wherever possible.

Education Reform – investments in human capital are needed

The investment in human development is a strategy for economic recovery and inclusive growth. The private sector has started to cooperate with DepEd to specifically focus on technical training and ‘learning by doing’. Workforce skills are critical if the Philippines is to gain from its ‘demographic dividend’.

Exciting times with the need for change for the common good. There is no question about the willingness of the private sector to cooperate with the Administration and Congress to ‘imagineering’ the future!

Allow me to finish by again quoting Ramon del Rosario: “Now, the challenge is to keep the fire alive to accompany the youth who showed up this year. Democracy, after all, is a habit, one that is best be taught early, practiced often, and shared across generations.”

The time for change is now; let’s work together for the common good. For comments, please contact me at [email protected]