Photo courtesy: PCO
“No one is innocent when power holds the pen that approves the nation’s spending.”
Every major flood control project, every school building under construction, every farm-to-market road, every rehabilitation program, and every large-scale public work — all of these pass through the President’s desk. He reviews the plans, approves the budgets, and signs off on every peso spent under his administration.
That is why it is deeply offensive to hear the President claim ignorance of what many now describe as the worst corruption scandal in Philippine history. How can the man who approves every project and every disbursement say he knows nothing? He bears the ultimate responsibility for every financial decision made by his government.
The President is not a mere observer. He is the highest authority of the land, the chief steward of public funds. He knew the weight of this duty the moment he chose to run for office. When he took his oath, he promised to be honest, dependable, and accountable in his service to the Filipino people. That oath was not a ceremonial gesture — it was a sacred vow of leadership and integrity.
Yet what we see today tells a different story. Instead of confronting wrongdoing, this administration appears to prefer silence, deflection, and denial. Worse, his allies, trolls, and even Palace officials continue to mislead the public by blaming the previous administration. This is cowardice disguised as governance, a betrayal of public trust, and a grave insult to every hardworking Filipino taxpayer.
A true leader does not hide behind excuses. He does not protect friends or allies implicated in corruption. A true leader stands firm, takes responsibility, and acts decisively to correct the system.
If this administration is truly serious about fighting corruption, it must begin within the Palace walls. One cannot accept praise for successes yet deny blame for failures. Accountability cannot be selective. It is the foundation of public service.
In the end, the measure of a leader is not found in his speeches or slogans, but in his courage to face the truth and accept responsibility — even when it is uncomfortable or politically costly.
And right now, that courage seems to be missing in Malacañang.
