towards Kenneth Christian L. Basilio, Reporting
Protest organizers should turn the multibillion-dollar flood crisis into a campaign issue in the 2028 mid-term elections, political analysts say, arguing that the initial outbreak could help shape voting sentiment and make elections anti-fraud.
They also said that the organizers should start “politics” of politicians “linked to the debate to weaken the support of the officials tainted by the Scheme.
“The debate is there and should give 2028,” said Hansley A. Juliano, professors working in political science at Ateneo de Manila University, said in a Facebook Messenger chat. “If real, real and living leaders come from the local and national levels… [then there] it is a chance to be at the forefront of the shocking shepherds, leaders without limits. “
The call comes as allegations of corruption deepen against President Ferdinand R. Marcos, the administration of JR. less than three years before the next Presidential election. His public approval may undermine efforts to get voters behind his favored allies.
Mr. Marcos’ satisfaction scores fell to their lowest point as he takes over in 2022, according to WR NUMBERO CHENCALL released last week. About 21% of Filipinos approved of his performance in November, down 14 points from August.
The Philippines is facing one of the biggest political problems of Ms. Marcos’, as salesmen, officials and contractors are facing allegations of participation in the Pinkback Funds.
Activists should “start a blacklist movement against those involved in corrupt practices,” said Lawrence Anthony A. Borja, a political science professor at De La Salle University. “If it works, then such a move would prevent concerned politicians from using Public offices while serving as a warning to the electorate.”
The rising tide has sparked protests across the country, especially in flood-prone states. The largest gatherings held in the capital region, led by the left-leaning groups and the union of church leaders and civil society organizations accuse the government of failing to protect public money.
Still, analysts say the movement needs to mend internal divisions to build a broader coalition.
Activists must “face their betrayals” to prevent the spread of corruption, said Mr Borja. “This would allow them to attract balanced citizens who share common interests.”
Public sentiment seems to favor demonstrations. A Numero survey said last week that 58% of Filipinos supported Nov. 30 Protests that result in unusual flood control deals. About 18% disagreed, and two in 10 were unsure.
“The gap shows that while the majority of the minority is very integrated, the majority of the most moral is standing behind the reason,” said Cleve V. Contradiction, the chief manager of WR NUMBERERO Chean, said the Viber message.
“It means support for the anti-corruption protests is deep and wide, even if not everyone can join the street actions,” he added.
Protest leaders also need a sharper message to expand their reach, says Ederson DT. Tipi, a professor of public administration at the University of Makati.
“People will join the organization when they see how the illusion of flood control translates into the daily misery of flooded roads, lost money, disrupted and disrupted. “The planners must make it so clear that many other sectors feel compelled to come in.”
Mr. Borja said the organizers should keep the pressure against the government to arrest those frauds.
“They should always remind the public who are involved in the flood control institutions and establish a coalition focused on demanding accountability and relief from the Elite Politiach,” he said.
“Sustaining attention also requires discipline,” said Mr. Tia. “A steady flow of updates, local monitoring, and well-placed public speakers tied to budget discussions or audits can keep the pressure alive long after the headlines are over.”
“The real test is whether this power becomes revolutionary,” he added, stressing that independent oversight of public works contracts and making government bidding processes transparent should be the goal of the protest movement.
