“Our country is currently facing a range of political issues, including corruption, misuse of public funds, lack of transparency, and unresolved social injustices. These challenges are compounded by polarizing political discourse, weak institutions, and a perception of impunity for those in power.
These circumstances create a climate of distrust, division, and unrest among the Filipino people. The absence of accountability in governance, from local to national levels, disrupts peace and harmony as it erodes public trust and intensifies social inequalities.
Accountability means holding individuals, leaders, and institutions responsible for their actions and decisions. It is fundamental to good governance and a just society.”
Without accountability:
1. Peace becomes fragile: Injustice, corruption, and impunity breed discontent and frustration, which can lead to protests, uprisings, and social unrest.
2. Harmony is unattainable: Divisions deepen when people feel neglected, oppressed, or unfairly treated. The lack of trust in institutions makes cooperation and understanding nearly impossible.
On the other hand, accountability fosters transparency, fairness, and inclusivity, creating the conditions for peace and harmony to flourish.
A Call for Accountability in the Country.
1. Corruption: Persistent corruption undermines trust in public institutions. Without accountability, corrupt officials continue to misuse public resources at the expense of social services like education, healthcare, and infrastructure.
2. Human Rights: Unresolved cases of human rights violations, such as extrajudicial killings and attacks on freedom of speech, show a lack of accountability. These issues polarize communities and silence critical voices, which are essential for democratic harmony.
3. Public Service Delivery: Inefficiency and negligence in addressing issues like poverty, inflation, and disaster response are clear signs of poor governance. Accountability ensures that officials are answerable for failures in public service.
Why Accountability is Key to Peace and Harmony
1. Restoring Trust: When leaders are held accountable for their actions, public trust in institutions is restored. Trust is the foundation of peace and harmony in any society.
2. Reducing Inequality: Accountability ensures equitable distribution of resources and opportunities, reducing resentment and fostering social cohesion.
3. Promoting Justice: When justice prevails and wrongdoers are held responsible, the rule of law is strengthened, discouraging future abuses of power.
We demand more from our leaders—transparency, justice, and accountability.
Romero reacted on the INC-led National Peace Rally on January 13, 2025 at Quirino Grandstand, Manila.
Romero, Chairman and CEO of The ROMAC Group, is a distinguished business leader and multi-awarded figure in his field.
As a past president and current Director for Infrastructure Development of the Pampanga Chamber of Commerce & Industry (PAMCHAM), he is renowned for his unwavering advocacy for good governance, transparency, accountability, and enhanced government services, particularly in infrastructure and flood mitigation.
His dedication to progress continues to shape the region’s business and community landscape.