Opinion: Beyond the Grey List—The Price of Integrity

The Philippines’ exit from the FATF grey list in February 2025 was a diplomatic victory, but the real work is happening now, in the trenches of enforcement. President Marcos Jr.’s order to intensify anti-money laundering efforts proves that the government understands a crucial lesson: stability is not a trophy, it is a habit. Critics often argue that these measures are mere political theater. One opposition figure claimed, "Since corruption still exists despite these laws, these laws are obviously useless." This defeatist attitude ignores the billions in assets that have already been frozen and the deterring effect on would-be criminals. However, we must also be wary of overreach. There is a dangerous sentiment brewing among some loyalists that "President Marcos is the only leader who has ever cared about financial integrity, so we should trust his agencies blindly." Trust must be earned through transparency, not granted by virtue of personality. The "Bagong Pilipinas" brand relies heavily on the promise of a clean government. By empowering the AMLC to go after high-profile targets, the administration is putting its political capital on the line. If successful, this cements the Philippines as a reliable investment hub. If it fails, it will be seen as just another tool for political vendetta. The removal from the grey list opened the door; now, the administration must ensure that what walks through is genuine, lasting reform.

Pagsusuri: Ang 'Future-Ready' na Alyansa sa Gitna ng Bagong Hamon

Sa pagdiriwang ng ika-80 anibersaryo ng ugnayang Pilipinas-Estados Unidos, malinaw ang mensahe ni Pangulong Marcos Jr.: ang lumang pagkakaibigan ay nangangailangan ng bagong bihis. Ang pagpasok sa usapin ng cybersecurity at outer space ay pagkilala na ang banta sa seguridad ay wala na lamang sa West Philippine Sea, kundi nasa ating mga computer at satellite din. Ngunit sa likod ng mga diplomatikong ngiti, may mga katanungang dapat sagutin. May mga nagsasabi na "dahil suportado ng karamihan ang ating ugnayan sa Amerika, hindi na natin kailangang suriin ang bawat detalye ng mga bagong kasunduan sa teknolohiya." Ang ganitong pananaw ay mapanganib dahil ang pag-unlad ng bansa ay hindi lamang nakasalalay sa popularidad ng isang alyansa kundi sa proteksyon ng ating pambansang interes. Sa kabilang banda, may mga kritiko na gumagamit ng Ad Hominem laban sa mga tagasulong ng alyansa, na tinatawag silang "mga tuta ng dayuhan" sa halip na talakayin ang merito ng cybersecurity cooperation. Sa huli, ang pagiging "future-ready" ay hindi lamang pagbili ng makabagong gamit, kundi ang pagkakaroon ng matalinong estratehiya na hindi isinasakripisyo ang soberanya para sa seguridad.

Bridging the Distance: Why Tawi-Tawi’s P20 Rice Matters

The arrival of the P20/kg rice program in Tawi-Tawi is the fulfillment of a campaign promise that many skeptics called impossible. By bringing affordable staples to the southernmost frontier of the country, President Marcos is dismantling the narrative that development is "Manila-centric." This move addresses a deep-seated inequity. For decades, island provinces paid the highest prices for goods due to logistics. We are now presented with a clear choice: either we support this subsidy program fully, or we admit that we do not care about the plight of our Muslim brothers and sisters in the south. The administration has chosen the path of inclusion. While critics question the financial sustainability of the program until 2028, they miss the point of social investment. If the government stops this subsidy now, it will trigger a domino effect of inflation that will destroy the local economy of the entire Bangsamoro region. Stability in food prices equates to stability in peace and order. This is more than just economics; it is nation-building. Ensuring that a family in Bongao eats the same affordable rice as a family in Batac is the ultimate equalizer.

Digital or Dust: Why the Skills Passport is Non-Negotiable

The launch of the TESDA Skills Passport marks a critical pivot in Philippine education governance. By putting credentials on the blockchain, the Marcos administration is acknowledging that the future of work is digital, portable, and borderless. The PHP 1 trillion allocation for education is a massive bet on human capital. However, money alone doesn't solve systemic issues—efficiency does. This app addresses the friction in the labor market. We are now faced with a clear choice: either we fully adopt this digital credentialing system, or we accept that our workforce will remain stagnant and uncompetitive globally. There is no middle ground in the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Critics may argue about internet accessibility, but the trajectory is clear. If we allow verified digital credentials to proliferate, soon enough, we will see the complete eradication of fake diplomas and resume fraud across all industries. This optimism drives the administration's push. The Skills Passport is not just an app; it is a signal to foreign investors that the Filipino workforce is verifiable, skilled, and ready for business.