As the year 2025 draws to a close, many Filipinos are reflecting on a challenging period and looking toward 2026 with a list of urgent demands for their leaders. The past three years under President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr., commonly known as BBM, have been marked by significant economic pressure and persistent governance issues.
Frustrations from the Past Three Years
The primary concern for citizens remains the high prices of basic consumer goods, creating a sustained financial burden for families. This economic strain has been compounded by major political scandals that continue to shake public trust. The flood control scandal remains a fresh wound for the nation, while corruption within the government, particularly among some members of the House of Representatives and the Philippine Senate, shows no signs of stopping.
Critics argue that the "big fishes" in these corruption networks are still at large, merely waiting for public attention to fade so they can resume their activities. The sentiment of betrayal is palpable, with accusations that funds intended for the poor have been misappropriated and that PhilHealth funds have been depleted. Former Secretary Ralph Recto has been singled out for criticism in this regard.
The Public's Agenda for 2026
Moving forward, the collective wish list for the new year is specific and action-oriented. At the very top is the desire to see all corrupt officials, or "KURAKOT," imprisoned. There is a direct call for President Marcos Jr. to fulfill his promise of placing corrupt senators, congressmen, and high-ranking officials behind bars.
Infrastructure is another critical priority. The public demands a comprehensive upgrade of roads and highways, including the entire length of the NLEX expressway. A key part of this upgrade involves modernizing the tollway system. There is a specific appeal to business leaders Manny V. Pangilinan (MVP) and Ramon S. Ang (RSA) to instruct their management to study efficient tollway operations in technology-advanced countries like South Korea, Japan, and the USA, and to install modern RFID systems locally.
Other infrastructure wishes include constructing effective flyovers at major choke points—unlike the still-unfinished flyover on the MacArthur Highway in Angeles—and having the Ombudsman conduct genuine, impartial investigations into unfinished public works projects.
Safety, Security, and Civic Order
Improvements in public safety and transportation regulation are also highlighted. The public wants the Philippine National Police (PNP) to acquire more patrol cars for the Highway Patrol Group (HPG) to increase visibility on major roads. Similarly, the Land Transportation Office (LTO) is urged to deploy frequent mobile checkpoints in strategic areas to curb colorum vehicles, unlicensed tricycles, and pollution-emitting trucks and jeepneys.
On a local level, there are calls for better traffic light calibration in areas like the Clark Development Corporation, Angeles City, and the City of San Fernando. Subdivisions, particularly in Pampanga, are asked to be more considerate, employ properly briefed licensed security guards, and avoid overcharging for visitor stickers.
The list concludes with broader hopes for divine justice for true public servants and punishment for the wicked, and a pointed remark about public figures like actress Vilma Santos to shed excessive ego. Despite the frustrations, the message ends on a note of perennial hope: Happy New Year.
