As we commemorate the anniversary of the First Philippine Republic every Jan. 23, we must face a harsh reality: the democratic vision envisioned by the courageous individuals of the Malolos Congress has been consistently undermined by generations of political opportunists and corrupt officials.  

On Jan. 23, 1899, the First Philippine Republic arose as a symbol of optimism, a pivotal moment when 136 representatives from 43 provinces convened in Malolos to announce a vision of autonomy that would disrupt the pillars of colonial domination.  

What started as a hopeful moment with the Malolos Constitution, reflecting the ideals of leaders like Emilio Aguinaldo and Apolinario Mabini, has devolved into a mockery of democracy. The revolutionary document promoted representative democracy and civil liberties, yet we must ask: 

Is this the republic envisioned by Aguinaldo, Mabini, and the Constitution's founders?

At present, that sovereignty has been seized by political dynasties, corrupt officials, and a system that perpetuates inequality and evades accountability, but the current Philippine political scene is a distorted mockery of those honorable principles.

The erosion of democracy 

Political dynasties, like the Marcoses and Dutertes, have made democracy a familial inheritance. The 2025 midterm elections highlight this decline, marking not democratic engagement but a lament for our corruption, which would anger the revolutionary leaders of 1899. 

Former dictator Ferdinand Marcos Sr.'s regime stole billions, turning public service into personal enrichment. The Stonehill scandal of the 1960s revealed how deeply corruption had penetrated government offices, with high-ranking officials like former President Diosdado Macapagal and Senate President Marcos Sr. himself implicated in bribery and economic sabotage. 

The litany of scandals that have plagued our nation in recent decades would make our revolutionary heroes weep. From the plunder of Marcos Sr., amassing billions while his countrymen starved, to the "Hello Garci" scandal that tainted Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's presidency, to the more recent "Pharmally" controversy under Rodrigo Duterte's watch—each transgression chips away at the foundation of our democracy.

Even legislators systematically looted public funds, with senators like Juan Ponce Enrile, Jinggoy Estrada, and Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. treating the national treasury as their personal piggy bank.

Rodrigo Duterte's presidency represented perhaps the most profound betrayal of democratic principles. His war on drugs transformed the state into a killing machine, with extrajudicial killings becoming a normalized form of governance. Human Rights Watch highlights the murder of thousands with impunity, contradicting Malolos Republic constitutional protections. 

To continue the madness in the political scene, his daughter, Vice President Sara Duterte’s entanglement in controversies, including confidential funds and comments on an assassination plot, highlights an ongoing systemic issue that threatens democratic values. 

In a case study that was analyzed during a lecture on the Life and Teachings of Jose Rizal (JORIZAL), Professor Maria Serena Diokno of UP-Diliman notes that corruption in the Philippines has deep historical roots, originating during the Spanish colonial period as discussed in her paper on Rizal and moral imperatives.

"Corruption in the Philippines is not a 20th-century invention. Rizal spoke lengthily of it, in rich detail," she cited.

This is especially true today more than at any other time. We have permitted our political system to be taken over by individuals who view public office not as a duty to serve, but as a route to self-gain and authority.

Consider the clear distinction between the idealistic young revolutionaries who crafted our first republic and the current political class. While heroes like Mabini were 34 years old when drafting a constitution that guaranteed freedom of religion, right to privacy, and separation of powers, today's politicians seem motivated only by personal gain. 

The upcoming 2025 midterm elections, with 68 million Filipinos poised to elect over 18,000 officials, should be a moment of hope. Nonetheless, it seems more akin to a ceremony of disappointment. Political families still hold sway, bribery persists widely, and the sentiments of everyday people are overshadowed by the apparatus of authority.

Ninoy Aquino Jr., a key figure in fighting for democracy during the Marcos era, convinced that freedom is worth fighting for, despite the struggles it entails during a freedom rally symposium while in exile.

"The moment you say no to tyranny, you are beginning the struggle, the long lonely road to freedom," he proclaimed.

These words ring with even greater urgency today. The 2025 midterm elections represent not just a political exercise, but a potential turning point - a chance to yearn for a proper government whose service is to the welfare of the Filipinos. 

Generational divide

But hope is not lost. The youth—those 20 million Generation Z voters expected to participate in the 2025 elections—represent our most potent weapon against this systemic corruption. They are the digital generation, capable of seeing through political manipulation, armed with information and a burning desire for genuine change. 

They are the spiritual descendants of Emilio Jacinto, who at 21 persisted in the fight even after his leader's passing, and Gregorio del Pilar, who rose to general at 21 and battled with steadfast belief. As we consider them, we should reflect on ourselves: 

Will this generation truly fulfill the promise of 1899?  

We are more than just voters; we inherit a revolutionary legacy. The Malolos Republic represented more than a mere political framework; it stood as proof of the strength of united efforts, intellectual bravery, and a steadfast faith in self-governance.  

But remembering is not enough. Action is required. Each Filipino must become a guardian of the democratic ideals first articulated in that small church in Malolos. Your vote represents more than just a ballot—it embodies the ongoing struggle initiated by the courageous individuals in Barasoain Church 126 years prior.  

We must honor our revolutionary heroes by restoring the Malolos Constitution’s essence: dedication to justice, belief in people's power, and genuine representative democracy. Our ancestors sought a republic that prioritizes true representation and serves citizens, not a playground for oligarchs or a hunting ground for predators.

As we commemorate this anniversary, let us not just offer superficial acknowledgement of our past. Let us reaffirm our dedication to the vision of a genuinely democratic Philippines—one that respects the sacrifices of our ancestors and realizes the promise of Malolos.

In the words of former President Manuel L. Quezon, "My allegiance to my party concludes where my allegiance to my country starts."  That dream is not dead—it merely awaits resurrection by those brave enough to fight for it. 

The revolution continues. And this time, it will be led by a generation that refuses to be silenced.