MBC on Mass Resignations, Snap Elections; Reform First

06 October 2025 – The Makati Business Club believes instead of calling for the resignation of all elected officials, we should instead work to reform our systems, strengthen institutions and make our democracy work. There are many proposed systemic changes that have been languishing in the legislature, including an anti-dynasty law, changes to the bank secrecy laws, Freedom of Information and many others. There are other changes that can even be implemented administratively.
Simply changing the people in power will not achieve the lasting improvement in the country’s governance.

In the current investigation on corruption relating to flood control, our people are demanding transparency, accountability and justice. We call on our senators and congressmen to support the passage of the ICI bill of Sen Risa and Congs Chel and Leila and others to fully empower ICI to do its work effectively. Next our leaders should commit to a 2026 national budget that truly reflects our national priorities, includes only well conceived needs-based priority infrastructure projects and rules -based social programs and specifically exclude social programs where availment of services is dependent on patronage and political intervention. We also call for the convening of a multi sectoral group of distinguished experts to formulate an improved system for prioritizing, planning, funding and implementing public infrastructure projects based on principles of sound planning, transparency, fair bidding and citizen monitoring. These are immediate measures that need to be put in place for meaningful reforms that the country need.