PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has directed Congress to prioritize landmark reform measures that address long-standing issues in Philippine politics.
Among the proposals are the anti-dynasty bill, the reform of the party list system, the creation of an Independent People’s Commission, and expanded public access to government expenditures.
These initiatives aim to strengthen accountability and ensure that political power serves the people rather than entrenched interests.
For me, this directive reflects a clear and deliberate form of leadership that puts national interest above political comfort.
Setting these reforms as a priority is a call to renew public trust. It shows a President willing to confront what others have long avoided.
Choosing the hard path
The anti-dynasty bill has remained unresolved for decades, often discussed yet rarely advanced.
By placing it at the top of the legislative agenda, President Marcos signals the readiness to address a structural issue at the heart of Philippine politics.
True reform requires courage. Any leader can promise change. It takes a steadier hand to pursue reforms that challenge familiar power structures.
By confronting dynastic politics head-on, the President is choosing the hard, principled path. This is a crucial signal that this administration is not beholden to the status quo, but committed to structural change.
Reforming representation for the people
The directive also includes the Party List System Reform Act, intended to restore the original spirit of representation.
Over time, the system drifted away from marginalized sectors and toward groups with resources and influence.
Fixing this is essential to democratic integrity. The party list system was designed to give a voice to the voiceless; when it is captured by the powerful, it undermines the very foundations of equitable representation.
Representation must belong to those who have earned their voice, not those who simply found a way around the system.
Foundation of public trust
The President is also pushing for greater citizen access to government expenditures. This aligns with a larger effort to normalize transparency and make public service easier to understand and evaluate.
The mandate for transparency across all branches of government is non-negotiable for a functioning democracy.
Trust grows when institutions open their doors. Transparency is not a slogan. It is a commitment”
This commitment empowers the Filipino people to become active partners in governance and watchdogs over the public purse, which is precisely how accountability is sustained.
Anchored in responsibility
In an era marked by noise and speculation, President Marcos chose to focus on long-term institutional reforms rather than short-term political maneuvering. He offered direction instead of distraction.
This is the kind of leadership the country needs.
Reform begins with intention, but it succeeds through consistency. The President has set the direction. Now the challenge is for all branches of government to move with the same clarity of purpose.
The legislative and judicial branches must now meet this challenge with the same conviction and prioritize the long-term well-being of the nation over political expediency.
Moment of opportunity
The administration’s push for political reform arrives at a crucial time, when public frustration with old political patterns remains high.
By urging Congress to act, the President creates an opening for meaningful change that could redefine the political landscape for the next generation.
Leadership is not defined by comfort.
It is defined by the willingness to repair what has long been broken. In choosing to champion these reforms, the President affirms that governance is ultimately a duty to the Filipino people.”
(The writer serves as Chairman Emeritus of four civic-oriented organizations: Alyansa ng Bantay sa Kapayapaan at Demokrasya, People’s Alliance for Democracy and Reforms, Liga Independencia Pilipinas, and Filipinos Do Not Yield Movement, where he advocates for truth, stability, and the dignity of the Filipino people.)
