WHAT WE’RE SEEING IS REVENGE OF THE KURAKOT—BUT ONLY THE PEOPLE CAN STOP THIS

WHAT WE’RE SEEING IS REVENGE OF THE KURAKOT—BUT ONLY THE PEOPLE CAN STOP THIS

Opinion | Rob Rances

For years, corruption operated like a well-oiled machine.

Palms were greased, contracts were padded, projects became cash cows. Influential dynasties and their contractor networks feasted on public funds. Kickbacks flowed quietly, and the public suffered silently.

But then Duterte came in—and the system choked.

The launch of 8888, the government’s citizens’ complaint hotline under the Duterte administration, empowered ordinary Filipinos to report corruption directly. Allies and appointees weren’t spared; even cabinet officials and high-ranking officers were fired on live television. Backdoor deals carried real risks. Fixers panicked. Politicians treaded carefully. The golden buffet was shut down.

And that’s why the political establishment never forgave him.

FAST FORWARD NOW

We are witnessing corruption on steroids.

Just look at the headlines:

• The P1 trillion flood control scandal (2023–2025), flagged by the Commission on Audit, revealed ghost projects and overpriced contracts. Even President Marcos Jr. himself admitted that the program was riddled with anomalies—yet none of the “big fish” have faced consequences.
• In 2024, exposés revealed billions in confidential and intelligence funds, distributed without transparency, raising suspicion that these allocations were used as political war chests rather than for security.
• The “People’s Initiative” funding scandal exposed how government resources and networks were allegedly mobilized to manipulate Charter Change narratives, benefiting select political elites.
• Investigations into PhilHealth’s questionable disbursements and delays in the Maharlika Investment Fund’s rollout reflect the same playbook: funneling taxpayer money through opaque channels.

On the ground, it’s even worse:

• Entrepreneurs are forced to pay “under-the-table” fees just to secure basic permits.
• Government projects face endless delays unless bribes are paid.

This is THE REVENGE OF THE KURAKOT—a desperate bid to ensure the Dutertes, who once starved the system, never get close to power again.

So when elite power-brokers, media allies, and political dynasties frame their actions as “justice” or “defending democracy,” let’s ask:

Are they angry at the war on drugs—or the war on their rackets?

Do they care about human rights—or just their right to steal without consequence?

Because the people haven’t forgotten.

They remember:

• When crime rates plummeted,
• When even cabinet secretaries feared stealing,
• When ordinary voices were heard.

And that’s what terrifies today’s ruling elite the most:

A NATION THAT REFUSES TO BOW TO THEIR CORRUPTION EVER AGAIN.

This is why the attacks on Dutertes are relentless.
This is why the scandals are being spun.
And this is why the Filipino people are the only force that can stop this cycle.

We are living in an age where corruption isn’t just alive—it’s thriving. But every exposé, every scandal, every injustice is also a wake-up call:

THE POWER OF THE KURAKOT ONLY EXISTS IF WE LET THEM.

Every scandal, every overpriced project, every brazen act of impunity survives because too many of us have been conditioned to shrug, stay silent, or settle for less. Corruption thrives not just because of the thieves in power—but because the public has been made to feel powerless.

It’s time to change that narrative.

We must remind them who they really fear:
The Filipino people—united, informed, and unafraid.

Action doesn’t always mean marching in the streets; it starts with ORGANIZING
to reject their propaganda,
to demand transparency,
to protect whistleblowers,
to support leaders with integrity, and
to refuse to normalize corruption as “business as usual.”

This is not about destabilization; this is about restoration—restoring accountability, restoring trust, restoring dignity to a nation betrayed for too long.

We can no longer wait for “heroes” in government. The real heroes are us: the voters, the taxpayers, the citizens who still believe this country is worth fighting for.

The power of the corrupt only exists if we hand it to them.

It’s time to take it back.

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Disclaimer: Opinion piece. The views and analysis expressed are solely those of the author and are based on publicly available information, reports, and personal interpretation. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, this content should not be taken as legal, official, or definitive proof of wrongdoing by any individual or institution. Readers are encouraged to verify information independently and form their own conclusions.