The Makati Business Club (MBC) opposes calls for the mass resignation of all elected officials, saying that simply changing the people in power won’t lead to lasting improvement in the country’s governance.
Instead, the group urged a focus on system reforms, strengthening institutions, and making democracy work.
The MBC called on lawmakers to prioritize several languishing systemic changes, including an anti-dynasty law, amendments to bank secrecy laws and a Freedom of Information law. The group said other changes could be implemented administratively.
To address ongoing corruption investigations, the MBC demanded transparency, accountability and justice.
It urged senators and congressmen to support the passage of the ICI bill—a reference to the Integrity Commission International bill—to fully empower the body to conduct its work effectively.
The bill is associated with Senator Risa Hontiveros and Representatives Chel Diokno and Leila de Lima.
The business group also called on leaders to commit to a 2026 national budget that truly reflects national priorities.
It said the budget should only include well-conceived, needs-based priority infrastructure projects and rules-based social programs, while specifically excluding social programs reliant on patronage and political intervention.
The MBC also proposed convening a multisectoral group of distinguished experts to formulate an improved, transparent system for prioritizing, planning, funding and implementing public infrastructure projects.
