In SuySuy

14/09/2025

𝗙𝗘𝗔𝗧𝗨𝗥𝗘 | Lavish Lives on Public Pockets: Nepo babies as iskolar ng bayan

𝘣𝘺 𝘕𝘶𝘳-𝘈𝘪𝘯𝘢 𝘈𝘭𝘣𝘢𝘳

Their social media feeds flaunt luxury cars, designer brands, and vacations aboard private planes, a complete contrast to the reality of many Filipinos who can barely afford a one-way jeepney ride. Once a badge of honor for students in state universities whose education was made possible by taxpayers, the title “Iskolar ng Bayan” has recently taken on a darker, ironic twist. “Nepo babies” are now being labeled with the term, not for their merit or sacrifice nor for studying in state universities, but for enjoying an education, career, and lifestyle sustained by the very pockets of the Filipino people.

In the Philippines, family names usually guarantee both access to power and public funds. While thousands of ordinary Filipino students have to juggle side hustles, walk kilometers to school, or skip meals because of poverty, these nepo babies enter prestigious universities with high paying tuition, and wallets secured by family wealth—and sometimes, by family power. This crooked reality highlights a bitter irony: the true iskolars ng bayan struggle to study on scarce resources and are deprived of the government support they need, while children of Political officials, contractors, and those who closely work in the political field live lavishly on public pockets.

𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝗧𝗮𝘅𝗲𝘀 𝗕𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗟𝘂𝘅𝘂𝗿𝘆

The issue becomes enraging when nepo babies proudly flaunt their wealth despite Republic Act No. 6713, or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees, obliging public officials, employees and their families to lead modest lives. In a country where corruption remains rampant, the question 'whose money is really funding these luxuries?' are being asked.

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗥𝗶𝘀𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗡𝗲𝗽𝗼 𝗕𝗮𝗯𝘆 𝗦𝗵𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴

Lately, the internet has turned into a stage for public accountability. “Nepo baby shaming” trends across social media platforms tracing nepo babies like Claudie Co, Gela Alonte, and Jammy Cruz, who proudly flaunt their designer bags worth more than a year’s salary of a public school teacher, or a vacation that could fund a barangay health center. Their lavish lifestyles are allegedly being funded by the Filipino taxes and if proven true, this underscores a painful truth: public money is being weaponized to protect dynasties, not to uplift citizens. Taxes meant to fund classrooms, buy textbooks, or raise teachers’ salaries are used to sustain their extravagant lifestyles. In this warped reality, luxury has become a privilege born out of other people’s sacrifices.

For others, this may seem as petty envy, but for Filipinos who have to suffer the consequences of having corrupt leaders, it is more than that. Calling out nepo babies is not just about targeting individuals for simply being born into privilege—it’s about highlighting where the Filipino taxes go and how unearned wealth and unchecked entitlement become possible only because of corruption and dynastic politics. This sends a message that the citizens are now watching, and that privilege without responsibility deserves scrutiny

Mayor Vico Sotto in his recent interview underscored the urgency of rejecting corruption at every level of governance. “Kailangan maging nakakadiri ‘yung korapsyon. Kailangan hindi siya maging katanggap-tanggap,” he said, stressing that corruption should never be normalized or tolerated, but instead viewed with collective disgust. When asked regarding the growing trend of shaming content creators, and social media influencers who are apparently connected to contractors, he was quick to respond: “sila naman ang nagpost non online diba? so bigyan natin sila ng atensyon kung gusto nila”. Implying that trends like this should be normalized until those who exploit public funds face real consequences.

But is this really enough? Are we comfortable with just shaming them online? And more importantly—how will the government act on this?

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗣𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗪𝗲 𝗣𝗮𝘆

Until systemic reforms dismantle political dynasties and enforce real accountability to those who unashamedly steal from the pockets of the citizens, Filipinos will remain unwilling sponsors of these lavish lifestyles of nepo babies. The working class will keep paying tuition for heirs who never had to apply for scholarships, and citizens will keep funding futures that serve families, not the nation.

For now, every peso wasted is another reminder: the people’s pockets are not bottomless, and the patience of the public is not infinite.

𝗥𝗲𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲𝘀:

ABS-CBN News. (2025). Vico Sotto: 'Dati, rags to riches; ngayon, robs to riches'. YouTube. Retrieved from [https://youtu.be/te28DeyYx-Y?si=Y0hlpX-5m82o_K49]

Republic Act No. 6713. (1989, February 20). Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees. Official Gazette of the Republic of the Philippines / Office of the Ombudsman. Retrieved fromhttps://www.ombudsman.gov.ph/docs/republicacts/Republic_Act_No_6713.pdf

05/09/2025

𝗘𝗗𝗜𝗧𝗢𝗥𝗬𝗔𝗟 | Multo ng Katiwalian

𝘐𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘶𝘭𝘢𝘵 𝘯𝘪 𝘕𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘮𝘢𝘦 𝘔. 𝘋𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘰𝘩

Sa panahon ng sakuna, ang mga mamamayang nasa gitnang-uri at salat sa buhay ang naghihirap at naapektuhan ng hagupit ng mga bagyo. Solusyon ng gobyerno? Ayuda, mga de lata, at milyon-milyong piso na Flood Control Projects. Ngunit, ang konkretong solusyon para sa baha’t bagyo ay tila naglaho na parang multo. Ayun nga sa ulat ni Pangulong Marcos noong August 8 sa kanyang Press Conference, “There are 6,021 projects worth more than 350 billion that do not specify the exact type of flood control that is being built. Then, many projects also in different locations have exactly the same contract cost.” Muli na naman tayong inimulat sa katotoohanang isang sistematikong pagnanakaw ang nangyayari sa ating bansa. Hindi na isang simpleng pagnanakaw ang ating natutunghayan sa paglabas ng abirya sa mga Flood Control Projects, kundi korapsyon na may sistematikong pundasyon.

Sa loob ng ilang dekada, ang mga pangakong “malinis na pamamahala” ay nananatiling pangako lamang sa tuwing sasapit ang eleksyon. Ang isinaad na malinis na pamamahala ay napapalitan ng maruming transaksyon at pagtataksil sa bayan. Ang mga politikong nanalo sa halalan at nanumpang pagsisilbihan ang ating bansa, ngayo’y siyang nagiging sanhi ng pagkalugmok nito at patuloy na paghihirap ng ating kababayan sa panahon ng mga sakuna at bagyo. Ayun nga sa ABC.net, tinatayang anim na tao ang nawalan ng buhay at sampung libong mga tao ang napilitang lumikas dahil sa baha at bagyo na dinadanas ng Manila noong July 22, 2025. Malinaw sa datos na ito na hindi mga politiko ang siyang naghihirap sa panahon ng baha’t bagyo, kundi mga ordinaryong mga Pilipino. Ang solusyon ng gobyerno ay mga flood control projects, ngunit sapat na ba ito para sa mga flood-prone na lugar sa Metro Manila?

Ayon sa datos mula sa Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), mayroong hindi bababa sa 1,058 na proyekto para sa pagkontrol sa baha ang sinimulan sa Metro Manila mula Hulyo 2022 hanggang Mayo 2025. Ang kabuuang halaga ng mga proyektong ito ay umabot sa P52.48 bilyon. Sa kabila ng bilyon-bilyong pisong pondo, nananatili pa rin ang malawakang pagbaha at problema sa tuwing may bagyo Sa patuloy na pagkabulok ng sistema at talamak na korapsyon, ordinaryong tao ang nagdudurusa na kung saan ang mga proyekto ay tila nasa papel lamang, at mga flood control projects na ipinagmamalaki pero kailan man ay hindi naitayo o natapos. Isa sa halimbawa ng abiryang ito ay ang Construction of Reinforced Concrete River Wall sa Purok 4, Barangay Piel, Baliuag, Bulacan na may halagang Php60 milyon. Ayon sa PhilStar, ang kontrata, na nagkakahalaga ng P55.73 milyon, ay iginawad sa Syms Construction Trading, kung saan ang 1st District Engineering Office ng Bulacan ang nagsilbing tanggapan na nagpapatupad nito. Ang proyekto ay nakatakdang magsimula noong Pebrero 25, 2025, at matatapos sa Oktubre 22, 2025. Ngunit nang bisitahin ni Pangulong Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. ang lugar noong Agosto 20, natuklasan niyang wala pang nasisimulan na trabaho, halos anim na buwan matapos dapat itong simulan. Kung kaya’t ang tanong ng bayan, sino-sino ng aba ang nararapat na managot?

Bilyon-bilyong piso ang nawawala sa ganitong mga proyekto, kadalasan ay konektado sa mga pulitiko at kanilang mga kapanalig. Habang sila ay kumikita, ang mga mamamayan ay naiwan sa mga pasilidad na puro nasa papel lamang, at mga pangakong nakalubog na. Ngunit ang katiwalian sa mga proyektong ito ay hindi natatapos sa isang politiko lamang. Hind lamang mga politiko ang nararapat idiin sa katiwaliang ito. Isa sa mga nararapat managot ay ang ahensya ng Department of Public Works and Highways at ang mga contractors na siyang nagiging kasabwat ng mga politikong gahaman upang magnakaw sa kaban ng bayan. Ayon sa impormasyon na isiniwalat ni President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. noong 2025 State Nation Address, ang mga leading contractors na nasa kanyang initial findings na may pinakamaraming proyekto, na umabot sa 37, ay hawak ng Eight J’s Construction Services, na sinundan ng Jelsie Construction & Supply na may 26. Parehong humawak ng 23 proyekto ang Dahl Construction Corp. (dating Dahl Construction) at IM Construction Corporation. Samantala, ang E. F. Chua Construction, Inc., na may 20 proyekto, ang bumuo sa nangungunang lima na kumpanyang may kontrata sa gobyerno. Sa laki ng perang nanakaw mula sa kaban ng bayan, tiyak na hindi lamang contractors at tiwaling politiko ang nakikinabang dito. Kasama sa nakikinabang sa korapsyong ito ay ang kani-kanilang mga pamilya.

Mga politikong may marangyang pamumuhay, ngunit galing sa kaban ng bayan naman ang iginagasta. Marangyang pamumuhay at maginhawang buhay para sa kanilang mga pamilya, habang gamit-gamit ang buwis at pera ng bayan. Sa gitna ng kontrobersiya ukol sa mga ghost projects, iniutos ni President Ferdinand Marcos Jr, ang “lifestyle check” sa mga government officials and ahensiya na may kaugnayan sa korapsyon ng flood control projects. Ang isyu ukol sa marangyang buhay ng mga pamilya ng mga politiko ay umani ng mga negatibong reaksyon mula sa bayan. Isa na rito ay si Claudine Co na isang kamag-anak nina former Ako Bicol Partylist Representative Christopher Co at Rizaldy Co. Si Claudine Co ay anak ni Chistopher, ang co-founder ng Hi-Tone Construction and Development Corporation na isa sa kompanyang nasa listahan na inilabas ni Presiden Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Matatandaan na ang mga kampayang ito ay pinagkalooban ng multi-millon contracts ng Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) para sa mga proyekto sa sa pagpapagawa ng mga kalsada, tulay, flood control, at mga gusali mula 2023 hanggang 2025. Tunay ngang nakakadismaya ang ganitong sistema ng ating bansa. Mga bayan na lubog sa baha, mga pamilyang nawalan ng tirahan at mahal sa buhay, habang ang mga sangkot sa abiryang ito ay matiwasay na nilalasap ang nakaw na yaman mula sa kaban ng bayan. Mas nakalulungkot pa na tila tinatanggap ng lipunan ang korapsyon bilang isang normal na gawain. Alam ng taumbayan. Nakikita at natutunghayan nila ang magagarbong mansiyon at mararangyang pamumuhay ng ilang opisyal na diumano’y galing sa kanilang suweldo. Ngunit madalas ay sinasawalang bahala lamang ito ng lipunan at itinuturing na “ganyan na talaga ang sistema.”

Ngunit unit-unti ay namumulat na ang mga Pilipino. Nakikita nila ang samu’t saring koleksyon ng mamahaling sasakyan ng mag-asawang Discaya — tanda ng kanilang pag angat sa buhay na gawad ng mga proyektong ni isa ay hindi inihaon ang mga tao sa pagkakalubog. Kaya’t malinaw ang panawagan, dapat may managot. Hindi maaaring opsyonal lamang ang pananagutan sa katiwalian. Kung kaya’t inilunsad ni President Ferdinand Marcos ang “Sumbong sa Pangulo” website na nagbibigay ng plataporma sa mga tao upang iulat ang kanilang mga hinaing ukol sa mga flood control projects sa kanilang mga lugar. Umabot na sa 9,020 reports ang natangkap ng nasabing website.

Sa napakatagal na panahon, ang konsepto ng korupsiyon ay tinanggap, binale-wala, at minsan pa’y pinalalabas na bahagi ng ating kultura. Ngunit ang totoo, hindi ito ugat ng ating pagkakakilanlan bilang bayan, kundi bunga ng isang sistemang paulit-ulit na nagtataguyod at nagpapalaganap ng katiwaliang nagnanakaw ng pagkakataon, dangal, kinabukasan, at pag-unlad ng sambayanan. Ang pananahimik ay taksil at pakikipagsabwatan sa mga kawatan. Ang tanong: hahayaan ba nating magpatuloy ang katiwalian ng mga makapangyarihan o pipiliing magkaisa upang ipaglaban ang karapatan nating mamamayan?

𝗦𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗲𝘀

Mangaluz, J. (2025, August 11). Marcos flags P350 billion in flood control projects lacking key details. Philstar.com. https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2025/08/11/2464730/marcos-flags-p350-billion-flood-control-projects-lacking-key-details

ABC News. (2025, July 22). At least six people killed in major flooding in the Philippines with more rain expected. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-07-22/philippines-flooding-kills-six-people-with-more-rain-forecast/105561216

Gavilan, J. (2025, August 19). MAP: Flood control projects in Metro Manila. RAPPLER. https://www.rappler.com/philippines/map-flood-control-projects-metro-manila/

Claudine Co deactivates YouTube channel, Instagram over backlash. (2025, August 27). DZRH News. https://dzrh.com.ph/post/claudine-co-deactivates-youtube-channel-instagram-over-backlash

Mangaluz, J. (2025, August 11). Marcos flags P350 billion in flood control projects lacking key details. Philstar.com. https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2025/08/11/2464730/marcos-flags-p350-billion-flood-control-projects-lacking-key-details

03/09/2025

28/08/2025

LOOK:

The WMSU USC Senate – 11th Congress will hold its 7th Regular Session tomorrow, August 29, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Campus A, College of Teacher Education – Room 22.

A full agenda is prepared, with important matters set to be discussed, reviewed, and thoughtfully considered.

𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝘀𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝘀 𝗼𝗽𝗲𝗻 𝘁𝗼 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆𝗼𝗻𝗲—𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘄𝗲𝗹𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗻𝗱 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗺𝗲𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗳𝘂𝗹 𝗴𝗮𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗳 𝘀𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝗶𝗻 𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻.

25/08/2025

“𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘣𝘦 𝘨𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘱𝘶𝘳𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘯 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘰𝘯𝘦’𝘴 𝘰𝘸𝘯 𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘵𝘳𝘺?” - 𝘼𝙣𝙙𝙧𝙚𝙨 𝘽𝙤𝙣𝙞𝙛𝙖𝙘𝙞𝙤

𝗛𝗮𝗽𝗽𝘆 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗼𝗲𝘀 𝗗𝗮𝘆! 🇵🇭

National Heroes Day is a moment to pause and remember the courage of those who gave everything for the Philippines. Each year, on the last Monday of August, the nation looks back on the lives of our heroes like Jose Rizal, Andres Bonifacio, Apolinario Mabini, and Gabriela Silang, and to all other heroes who stood with the same bravery and love for our country. Their sacrifices remind us that freedom was won with courage, hope, and an undying love for country.

This day also reminds us that heroism can still be found in our present time. We see it in teachers who shape young minds, in doctors and nurses who care for the sick, in farmers who work to feed families, and in ordinary citizens who stand up for what is right. National Heroes Day challenges us to live with the same courage and dedication, keeping the spirit of our heroes alive in everyday life. Truly, to love our country is the greatest act of heroism.

23/08/2025

𝗙𝗘𝗔𝗧𝗨𝗥𝗘 𝗦𝗣𝗘𝗖𝗜𝗔𝗟 | FINAL BET
Inside the Missing Sabungeros Case and the Gamble for Truth

𝘣𝘺 𝘈𝘭𝘳𝘢𝘴𝘩𝘦𝘦𝘥 𝘐𝘮𝘣𝘢𝘺

There are crimes that do not end in blood but in silence. This is not merely about cockfighting, nor even about the men who vanished in its shadowy underworld. It is about the kind of nation where disappearance has become systemic, where comfort is built on the bones of the disposable, and where truth is a game controlled by those who never play fair because they already own the rules.

This journey passes through alleys of the forgotten, into courtrooms without answers, and into homes haunted by the absence of closure. This is not just a chronicle of abduction; it is an autopsy of the moral collapse that made such cruelty possible.

It is a story of privilege mistaken for righteousness, of men punished not for lies but for speaking what was true, and of a country forced to ask what remains of our soul when the game finally ends. It asks a deeper and more tragic question: is there truly justice or just another form of gambling?

𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗶𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗯𝗲𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗯𝗲𝘁.

17/08/2025

𝗞𝗮𝗦𝘂𝘆! 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗱𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘀𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀? 🤔

Western Mindanao State University (WMSU) marked the conclusion of its first week of classes through the WMSU Openhouse on August 8, 2025, with the launch of InSuy Suy's student interview segment, "What Can You Suy with In SuySuy? Students' Day One Thoughts on WMSU Leadership." Hosted by KaSuy Gaile and KaSuy Zon, the on-site segment featured students from various colleges who shared their first-week experiences and articulated their expectations for the leaders of WMSU. The interviews captured candid reflections on student leadership, governance, and the role of leadership in addressing campus concerns.

The initiative aims to foster open communication between the student body and its representatives by providing a platform where diverse perspectives can be heard. Through "What Can You SUY with In SuySuy?" In SuySuy reaffirms its commitment to promoting transparency, accountability, and active student participation in campus affairs, setting the stage for a school year grounded in collaborative leadership and meaningful dialogue.

10/08/2025

𝗜𝘁’𝘀 𝗮 𝘄𝗿𝗮𝗽, 𝗞𝗮𝘀𝘂𝘆𝘀! 🎉

The Lakbay WMSU Open House 2025, held last August 8, 2025, hosted an opportunity for every organization to introduce themselves to the WMSU freshmen. Merged in one booth with the WMSU Political Science Society, In SuySuy partook in the event by showcasing the official In SuySuy magazines and welcoming future journalists. From the warm smiles of the members to conversations that sparked curiosity, the event truly reflected what In SuySuy is all about.

One of the day’s features was the launch of In SuySuy's Preliminary Interest List—the first step in connecting with the students with the interest to join in the forthcoming official recruitment. The event concluded with laughter, new friends, and a stronger passion for amplifying voices, marking the beginning of the organization's voyage to make voices grow louder, braver, and prouder.

Captured by: Chealsea Falcasantos

31/07/2025

𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦 | Marcos’ 4th SONA: Unity, Progress, and the Promise of ₱20 Rice

𝘣𝘺 𝘋𝘪𝘢𝘯𝘢 𝘔𝘢𝘢𝘥𝘪𝘭

In a nation divided by politics and ideology, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. stood before the public servants with a firm voice and measured words, urging them to rise above their divisions and stand together, bound by their shared identity as Filipinos, patriotism toward the nation, and their sworn duty to serve the people.

On July 28, 2025, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. delivered his 4th State of the Nation Address (SONA), held at the Batasang Pambansa Complex. The President’s address came amid the public unrest, rising climate-related disasters, and a political midterm wake-up call. But this year’s SONA didn’t dwell on defeat. He sought to reset the tone of his administration by focusing on economic resilience, infrastructure, social equity, and climate action, promising that “Kaya sa huling tatlong taon ng Administrasyon, ibubuhos pa natin ang lahat-lahat. Hindi lamang upang mapantayan, kundi mahigitan pa ang pagbibigay-ginhawa sa ating mga kababayan.”

𝗔𝗴𝗿𝗶𝗰𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲: 𝗙𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗖𝗮𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗶𝗴𝗻 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗺𝗶𝘀𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘄𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝗣𝗶𝗹𝗼𝘁

President Marcos emphasized agriculture as a key focus of his development agenda. He announced that the long-awaited ₱20-per-kilo rice campaign is finally becoming a reality through Kalakal at Distribusyon ng mga Produktong Wasto (KADIWA).

“Napatunayan na natin na kaya na natin ang bente pesos sa bawat kilo ng bigas, nang hindi malulugi ang ating mga magsasaka,” Marcos said, receiving applause from the audience. He cited that the program had been successfully launched in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, including areas such as San Juan, Pangasinan, Cavite, Occidental Mindoro, Cebu, Bacolod, Guimaras, Siquijor, and Davao del Sur.

To support the nationwide implementation of the program, President Marcos Jr. announced a ₱113 billion budget allocation to strengthen the Department of Agriculture. Aiming to support the establishment of hundreds of KADIWA stores and centers.

While the ₱20-per-kilo rice earned praise from supporters, agricultural groups have long voiced their concern over its long-term viability. In May 2025, the Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP) and Aminhan National Federation of Peasant Women (Amihan) said, “Bente Bigas Mo is designed to be limited and short-lived and tokenistic, far from offering genuine relief to the millions suffering from rising rice prices.”

Danilo Ramos, chairperson of KMP and a farmer from Bulakan, added that the ₱20 rice campaign is only a distraction from the real cause of food insecurity.

In the livestock sector, the government is distributing piglets and launching a new vaccination program to combat the African Swine Fever (ASF). Meanwhile, hundreds of high-yield coconut seedlings are being planted.

𝗘𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗼𝗺𝘆: 𝗚𝗿𝗼𝘄𝘁𝗵 𝗡𝘂𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗚𝗿𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗿𝗼𝗼𝘁𝘀 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁

On the economic front, Marcos reported a lower inflation rate and a drop in unemployment to 4%. He urged the investors to bet on the Filipino workforce, calling it the country’s greatest economic strength.

“My single resounding message to the international business community is this: The Philippines is ready. Invest in the Filipino. Our cavalcade of dependable and hardworking Filipinos, innately skilled, adaptable, and possessed with a heart for service, are here, ready to work and to succeed with you,” President Marcos said.

The administration’s investment priorities include electronics, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, critical minerals, halal food, and automotive manufacturing.

To aid the poor, he announced that the remaining low-income households will receive low-interest, collateral-free loans, training, and support to start small businesses.

𝗜𝗻𝗳𝗿𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲: 𝗣𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿, 𝗪𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗶𝘁𝘆

President Marcos revealed the completion of nearly 200 power plants in the next three years, enough to power four million homes and over two thousand offices and businesses.

“Sa susunod na tatlong taon, halos dalawandaang planta ang ating tatapusin… may kakayahang magpaliwanag sa apat na milyong kabahayan, o sa mahigit dalawang libong pabrika, o sa halos pitong libong tanggapan at Negosyo.”

He also pushed for the Net metering program to help households save or sell excess electricity and expanded the Lifeline Rate subsidy to include more low-income families.

Additionally, President Marcos addressed the recent power crisis in Siquijor, blaming expired permits, broken generators, and slow procurement. He ordered the Department of Energy (DOE), National Electrification Administration (NEA), and Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) to restore the power before year-end, investigate negligence, and ensure refunds where needed.

In terms of water supply, the Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA) is tasked to address service failures and hold underperforming water districts and partners accountable. Stating, “Mapapanagot ang mga nagpabaya at nagkulang sa mahalagang serbisyong-publiko na ito.”

𝗦𝗼𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲𝘀: 𝗘𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻, 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗖𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗱 𝗪𝗲𝗹𝗳𝗮𝗿𝗲

The President reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to free public education, universal healthcare, and child nutrition programs.

Special attention was given to address the malnutrition, which the government aims to combat through inter-agency coordination and expanded food distribution.

𝗖𝗹𝗶𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗔𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: 𝗕𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗡𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗹

The President emphasized the urgency of strengthening disaster preparedness and worsening climate conditions. He noted that four out of the country’s 24 active volcanoes, including Kanlaon in Negros, were currently showing signs of unrest.

“Hindi tayo dapat tumigil sa ating mga ginagawang paghahanda, dahil ang banta ay patuloy na nariyan,” he warned.

The government is investing in advanced early warning tools, including Doppler radars, landslide sensors, and broadband seismic stations from PAGASA and PHIVOLCS, as well as Mobile Command Control Vehicles.

𝗚𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲: 𝗖𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗻 𝗨𝗽 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁𝘀

President Marcos condemned widespread corruption in flood-control projects, citing failed structures and even “ghost projects.” He said, drawing strong applause “Mahiya naman kayo sa mga anak natin na magmamana sa utang na binulsa ninyo.”

To address this, he ordered the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to submit a full list of regional flood projects from the last three years. A Regional Project Monitoring Committee will review this project. The President pledged to make the list public and encouraged citizens to help verify.

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗥𝗼𝗮𝗱 𝗔𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗱

A business owner, Rio Ann Paramio, interviewed by ABS-CBN, express her frustration with President Marcos’ address, saying, “Puro pangako lang naman yung mga ipinagbibigay niya eh. Hindi nagtutugma sa totoo lang… dun sa bigas na sinasabi niya, doon sa trabaho, yung kagaya ng TUPAD na binibigay ng DOLE, yung AICS, parang di ako naniniwala doon kasi yung kung sino lang 'yung dapat na pagbigyan niya 'yun lang eh.”

President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr.'s 4th SONA painted a picture of hope, unity, and renewed ambition, yet behind the applause lies the test: delivery. As bold promises such as the ₱20 rice and nationwide energy reforms take center stage, the coming years will reveal whether these plans are mere visions or tangible victories. In a country still struggling with inequality, disasters, and distrust in governance, the true measures of leadership will not be by words spoken at the podium, but in lives changed on the ground.

𝗦𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗲𝘀:

[1] Inquirer (2025). Full transcript: Marcos’ fourth State of the Nation Address, July 28, 2025. Retrieved from: https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2088526/full-transcript-marcos-fourth-state-of-the-nation-address-july-28-2025

[2] Salonga K. (2025). Marcos’ 4th SONA garners praise, criticism from citizens. Retrieved from: https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2025/7/28/marcos-4th-sona-garners-praise-criticism-from-citizens-2041

[3] Santos J. (2025). Farmers' groups: Marcos' P20 rice promise a 'grand deception' amid soaring prices. Retrieved from: Manila Bulletin - Farmers’ groups: Marcos’ P20 rice promise a ‘grand deception’ amid soaring prices

28/07/2025

𝗙𝗘𝗔𝗧𝗨𝗥𝗘 | Cold in the Face of Genocide: the Philippines' Response to the Israel-Palestine Conflict

𝘞𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘯 𝘣𝘺 𝘈𝘥𝘦𝘭𝘢𝘪𝘻𝘢 𝘚𝘢𝘮𝘱𝘢𝘯𝘨

As bombs fall on the land of Gaza and death tolls rise by thousands, the world watches in horror. Voices rise in aim to defend the voiceless innocent, protests erupt, and calls for a permanent ceasefire are made. Yet amid the chaos, violence, and suffering, the Philippine government remains, to a great extent, silent—abstaining from United Nations votes, avoiding firm positions, and choosing what it calls a “neutral” stance.

But in the face of genocide, is neutrality still neutral—or is it cold indifference?

Gaza continues to bleed due to relentless airstrikes. Homes and refugee shelters are now ruins, hospitals are bombed and innocent children lie buried beneath the debris. A Global outcry erupts; some in protests, and others in silence. Among those watching from a distance is the Philippine government, whose consistent position has been to pursue a “balanced approach.” While Gaza’s population dwindles, the Philippine government remains firm in its calculated neutrality.

This Article takes a closer look at the Philippines' stance throughout the years on the Israel-Palestine conflict, from abstentions and neutrality to a vague diplomatic statement. This also explores the stance and opinion of some Filipino citizens, some of whom challenge the government’s silence, calling it a betrayal of the country’s moral responsibility. In the face of what many international bodies and rights groups label as genocide, is neutrality still an option, or is it a quiet form of complicity?

𝘼 𝙃𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙤𝙧𝙞𝙘𝙖𝙡 𝘾𝙤𝙣𝙛𝙡𝙞𝙘𝙩, 𝘼 𝙃𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙤𝙧𝙞𝙘 𝙎𝙞𝙡𝙚𝙣𝙘𝙚

The Israel-Palestine conflict is a long-standing and deeply rooted struggle spanning decades; a dispute shaped by land, identity, colonialism, and forced displacement. To put it briefly, the tension escalated when Palestine was divided into two states by the United Nations in 1947: one for Jews (Israel) and one for Palestinians (Arab state). While the Jewish leadership accepted the partition, Palestinians rejected it, viewing it as unjust. Violence erupted, and by 1948, following Israel’s declaration of independence, hundreds of thousands of Palestinians were expelled from their homes—marking the Nakba, or “catastrophe.” It remains a historic wound and the root of Palestinian statelessness today.

As the long-standing conflict reignited on October 7, 2023, with Hamas launching an attack on southern Israel, the Israeli government responded with overwhelming military force on the Gaza Strip, triggering a humanitarian catastrophe. The United Nations General Assembly passed a resolution on the 27th of October 2023, where it called for an immediate humanitarian truce between Israel and Hamas, where it received 121 in favor, 14 against, and 44 abstentions. Among those who abstained was the Philippines—a country that happens to be the third-largest buyer of Israeli weapons. Shortly after, a protest erupted in Metro Manila, where Filipino activists and citizens voiced their outrage at the government’s silence. Their message was unambiguous: the Philippine government had taken a side, and it wasn’t with the oppressed. In a time of genocide, abstention is not neutrality, it is a position.

“The Marcos government has the blood of Palestinians on its hands. It turns a blind eye to the genocide in Gaza while continuing to buy weapons from Israel,” said Liza Maza, secretary-general of the International League of Peoples’ Struggle (ILPS), who spearheaded the protest. Maza added, “The Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr’s government’s deafening silence on the massacre of a population in Israel-occupied Gaza is condemnable and smacks of inhumanity.”

On a Wednesday afternoon, a few days after the reignited conflict, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. met with Israeli Ambassador Ilan Fluss in Malacañang Palace, where he thanked the Israeli government for rescuing 20 Filipinos and bringing them to safety after the Hamas attack. He assured Fluss that the Philippines will always stand with Israel against the inhuman terrorist attacks by Hamas. This, by all accounts, shows where the government’s loyalties lie.

𝘼 𝙂𝙡𝙞𝙢𝙢𝙚𝙧 𝙤𝙛 𝙈𝙤𝙧𝙖𝙡 𝘾𝙡𝙖𝙧𝙞𝙩𝙮

A spark of hope emerged in November 2023 when the National Council of Churches in the Philippines (NCCP)—a prominent ecumenical fellowship of Protestant and non-Roman Catholic churches—released a bold statement condemning Israel’s actions in Gaza. Breaking away from the government’s diplomatic neutrality, the NCCP denounced the Israeli occupation as illegal and labeled its military offensive as genocidal.

In a Facebook post, the NCCP wrote: “Churches must not condone Zionist rhetoric among Christians who legitimize as a right of ‘The chosen people’—the illegal occupation of Palestinian properties and other violations of human life and dignity. The outdated and irresponsible claims must be rectified.”

It was one of the clearest and most courageous statements from any major institution in the Philippines as it directly challenged a long-standing narrative of Zionism and divine entitlement. By calling out the misuse of Christian theology to justify colonialism and violence, the NCCP offered a counter-moral voice—one rooted not in politics, but in human dignity, faith, and justice. The statement stirred discomfort among Filipino Christians and their idea of neutrality as peace. But It was a call for churches to take a stand—not just in prayer, but in protest; not just in compassion, but in confrontation.

But the NCCP’s statement did not exist in a vacuum. It landed in a country deeply influenced by digital noise, where every opinion on the conflict—whether rooted in theology, politics, or misinformation—was being fought out online.

Religion has played a big role in the Philippines as religious beliefs divided the Filipinos in discussions related to Israel and Palestine. Social Media has become a digital battleground—a space where users fiercely debate the roots of the violence: the attacks by Hamas, Israel’s military retaliation, the deaths of innocent civilians, and the history of occupation. In a crucial moment where social media is involved, disinformation and misleading narratives spread quickly—and are often tolerated or left unchallenged.

𝘼 𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙜𝙚 𝙤𝙛 𝙝𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙩 𝙤𝙧 𝙖 𝙛𝙖𝙘𝙖𝙙𝙚?

After months, or even years, of silence, abstention, and diplomatic double-speak, the Philippine government seems to shift its tone. On June 12, 2025, the Philippines finally made a significant move by being one of 148 votes favoring the United Nations resolution demanding an Immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza, the release of hostages, and unhindered entry of humanitarian aid.

It was the country’s most decisive and visible statement yet — one that, on the surface, suggested a long-overdue recognition of the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza. The Philippines took a stand — not too early, not too late.

It was the country’s most decisive and visible statement yet — one that, on the surface, suggested a long-overdue recognition of the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza. The Philippines took a stand — not too early, not too late.

But was it a genuine moral shift — or simply diplomatic maneuvering?

It’s difficult to fully embrace this supposed shift after a long silence and carefully worded neutrality, especially when, just months earlier, an Israeli ambassador asserted that the “excellent ties” between Israel and the Philippines remained unchanged, now stronger. In a January 2025 article by Philstar, Israeli officials reaffirmed that bilateral cooperation — particularly in defense, labor, and trade, would proceed uninterrupted, despite Manila’s support for UN resolutions critical of Israel.

A statement coming from Israel itself has settled a great amount of doubt on the idea that the Philippines’ vote in June marked any real rupture — or any real courage.

Despite the formal shift, the Philippines has not suspended arms purchases from Israel, demonstrating how military ties outlast a single diplomatic gesture. In 2024 alone, it imported over US $39 million in Israeli weaponry, including ATMOS 155 mm howitzers, despite publicly supporting ceasefire resolutions. While the Philippines has long recognized Palestinian statehood, formally since 1989 and reaffirmed as recently as June 2025, it has not issued any statement explicitly condemning Israel’s continued blockade of Gaza, actions many believe would mark genuine accountability. Because in circumstances like this, absence of these matters more than a single UN vote.

So, is this a change of heart or just a facade to escape global scrutiny? a carefully calculated move to appease growing domestic and international criticism? That question remains unanswered. But what is clear is that silence, in the face of war crimes, forced starvation, ethnic cleansing, and a mounting civilian death toll is no longer defensible.

𝘼 𝙝𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙗𝙡𝙚𝙚𝙙𝙨 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙋𝙖𝙡𝙚𝙨𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙚

As Gaza continues to bleed, the world watches — some with outrage, others in silence. But more and more Filipinos are no longer willing to stand by. Everyone is making a noise in their own little ways. Across the country, voices rise in protest, fueled not just by politics, but by conscience, compassion, and a refusal to be complicit.

Outside the Israeli Embassy in Taguig, one protest placard captured the growing sentiment with piercing clarity: “Abstention is not neutral. It is choosing the side of the oppressor.”

In the face of injustice, neutrality becomes a stance — one that history does not always forgive.

The Filipino people have a long memory of their own struggle against colonialism, displacement, and state violence. Filipinos understand the struggle of Gaza — at least in some sense and angle. That history makes the silence of the government — or its attempt at neutrality—feel especially hollow. From students to church leaders, from labor groups to ordinary citizens, more are calling out the paradox: that one cannot claim peace while continuing to arm the aggressor, nor call for restraint after months of calculated neutrality and polite indifference. Is it worthy to give them the benefit of the doubt after they publicly favored the immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza while also visibly showing their warm ties with Israel?

The call for justice is loud, urgent, and unwavering. It echoes from the streets of the Philippines to the ruins of Gaza. Whether the Philippine government chooses to finally answer that call — or continue hiding behind diplomacy and economic interest — will define not only its foreign policy, but its moral legacy for years to come.

Because in a time of genocide, silence is never neutral — it is a decision. And even a smallest voice that dares to call for its ending can matter most.

References:

Admin. (2025, February 8). Philippines to acquire additional 12 ATMOS 155mm self-propelled howitzers from Israel. Defence Security Asia. https://defencesecurityasia.com/en/philippines-to-acquire-additional-12-atmos-155mm-self-propelled-howitzers-from-israel/

Baizas, G., & Macaraeg, P. (2023, October 31). In the Philippines, religion plays big role in Israel-Hamas discussion. RAPPLER. https://www.rappler.com/newsbreak/investigative/religion-big-role-israel-hamas-discussion-social-media/

Beltran, M. (2023, October 31). Philippines protesters slam gov’t abstention on UN’s Israel-Gaza resolution. Al Jazeera. https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/10/31/filipino-protesters-slam-govt-abstention-on-israel-gaza-resolution-at-un

Beltran, M., & Beltran, M. (2023, November 1). Israel-Gaza war: Philippines’ ‘embarrassing’ abstention from UN resolution sparks protest near Israeli embassy. South China Morning Post. https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3239850/israel-gaza-war-philippines-embar-rassing-abstention-un-resolution-sparks-protest-near-israeli

Marcos calls for adherence to INT’l humanitarian law amid Gaza crisis. (2025, May 27). Philippine News Agency. https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1250903

National Council of Churches in the Philippines. (2024, October 7). Churches must not condone Zionist rhetoric that legitimizes the illegal occupation of Palestinian land and violations of human dignity [Facebook post]. Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/100066377144788/posts/pfbid029hAbf2wTD4HBnNeJgXDrRR7kF69mTwBYebuCksQKdvq2BeGw1jJHQeS9D6XetwSrl/

Palestinians recount painful history with war in Gaza as a reminder | AP News. (2024, May 16). AP News. https://apnews.com/article/nakba-gaza-israel-hamas-war-a58e1a4f7fd224e1adfedf0da9b3608e

Philstar Global. (2025, June 27). Philippines reiterates “balanced approach” to Israel–Palestine conflict. https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2025/06/27/2453776/philippines-reiterates-balanced-approach-israel-palestine-conflict/amp/

Presidential Communications Office. (2023, October 11). PBBM thanks Israel government for rescuing Filipinos torn between Israel–Hamas conflict | PCO. Presidential Communications Office. https://pco.gov.ph/news_releases/pbbm-thanks-israel-government-for-rescuing-filipinos-torn-between-israel-hamas-conflict/

Resources, C. F. W., & Resources, C. F. W. (2024, October 20). PH Gov’t #3 buyer of Israeli arms used to fund Palestine genocide, killing women & children | CWR | Center for Women’s Resources. CWR | Center for Women’s Resources. https://centerforwomensresources.org/blog/2023/11/08/ph-govt-3-buyer-of-israeli-arms/

Yu, L. S. (2023, October 28). Philippines abstains from UN resolution calling for Israel-Hamas ‘humanitarian truce’. RAPPLER. https://www.rappler.com/philippines/vote-abstain-united-nations-resolution-israel-hamas-truce/