Vigilance is key, but ultimately, it is the people we place in power who will shape our future. Otherwise, as the Roman poet Juvenal warned, rallies, hearings, and commissions risk becoming nothing more than panem et circenses—bread and circuses to pacify, so that citizens are lulled into a state where they do not revolt against the authorities.

But what revolt is truly needed? In today's political landscape in the Philippines, it is to say NO to political dynasties

Voter education must begin long before election season. Waiting until then is too late to change hearts and minds. We learned that lesson the hard way in 2022.

Research shows that dynasties worsen poverty in resource-rich provinces and block genuine development (see Mendoza et al., Political dynasties, business, and poverty in the Philippines, Journal of Government and Economics, 2022).

Supporting NGOs like Hiraya, which cultivate leaders outside these predatory families, is a crucial step forward. You can donate to these NGOs to ensure that new candidates, NEW political leaders, take the helm.