In politics, the loudest stories often drown out the most important ones. Lately, the public conversation in the Philippines has been dominated by talks about impeaching Vice President Sara Duterte. The case has already gone through decisions by the Supreme Court and the Senate, and the results did not favor those pushing the impeachment. Yet discussions keep going, as if the verdicts were never reached. It makes one wonder why so much time is being poured into a matter that has already gone through the highest legal channels.
Many people think about what else could be discussed if the energy spent on this were redirected. The country has pressing issues that affect every Filipino, from rising prices to public debt, but those are not getting as much attention. Corruption scandals, questionable projects, and the use of public funds are often discussed in passing but rarely dominate the headlines for long. When media cycles choose to focus on the same story day after day, it leaves less space for the coverage of other urgent matters.
This is not to say that impeachment discussions are unimportant. It is part of a democratic system for people to hold leaders accountable. But it is also fair to question timing, motivation, and priority. The vice president does not lead a department like a cabinet secretary. She does not have direct control over the police or the military. Her powers are more defined by her role in succession and in representing the nation. Yet somehow, she has become the center of a political storm.
Some observers see this as a strategy. If someone has strong chances of running for president in the next election cycle, the years before that become critical. Public image is everything in politics, and controversy can weaken public support. If a politician is seen as embattled for too long, their standing in the public eye can fade, even if they survive the legal challenges. So it is possible that the prolonged focus on the vice president is less about justice and more about political maneuvering for the future.
Meanwhile, there is another conversation that is not getting enough light. The country’s debt has grown significantly in recent years. This affects every Filipino, whether they realize it or not. Debt means future taxes, tighter budgets, and often reduced services. When the debt increases without clear signs of stronger economic growth, the weight on the public grows heavier. It is a quiet problem compared to the noise of political drama, but in the long run it may be far more damaging.
Debt is not inherently bad. Many countries borrow money to fund infrastructure, social programs, and disaster recovery. What matters is how the borrowed money is used and whether it generates returns that can pay for itself over time. If loans are spent wisely, they can lead to growth that more than covers the cost. If not, they become a burden passed down to future generations. The trouble comes when people cannot clearly see where the money went or whether it is making life better for them.
Confidential funds are another topic that rarely gets the same level of scrutiny. These are funds that can be spent without publicly disclosing all details, usually for security reasons. There is nothing wrong with using confidential funds when they are truly needed for national security or sensitive operations. But without proper oversight, they can become an easy channel for misuse. When the public does not know how much is spent and for what purpose, trust becomes harder to maintain.
Some politicians have spoken out about the importance of checking confidential funds across all offices. But not all offices are equally questioned. If one official’s confidential funds are discussed in detail while others’ are ignored, it creates an imbalance in accountability. Citizens are left wondering why certain people are shielded from scrutiny while others are constantly under the microscope.
The role of media in shaping public attention is also worth thinking about. Media outlets decide which stories to highlight and how often to repeat them. A topic that gets constant coverage can shape public perception, even if there are other stories that are just as important. If political drama sells more clicks and airtime than discussions on debt, infrastructure problems, or agricultural challenges, then drama will dominate the news.
There is also the question of whether media narratives are influenced by outside interests. It is not new for powerful groups to try to steer the news in ways that benefit them. This could mean downplaying certain controversies while magnifying others. When this happens, the public may not get a full and balanced view of what is happening in the country. And without full information, it is difficult for citizens to make informed decisions.
When national attention is tied up in political fights, the everyday issues faced by ordinary Filipinos can be forgotten. People struggle with high food prices, rising utility costs, limited job opportunities, and poor public services. These are the kinds of problems that affect daily life far more than whether a political rival wins or loses an impeachment battle. Yet these problems do not get the same sustained focus.
The economic pressure is real. Inflation eats into wages, making it harder to afford the same goods and services. Even middle-class families feel the pinch, while low-income households face even harsher realities. For people living paycheck to paycheck, every price increase is a challenge. Add to this the reality of paying for the country’s growing debt, and the path to a comfortable life feels even narrower.
Political leaders are elected to address these issues, not to become the center of endless feuds. Healthy debate is part of democracy, but when debates turn into personal vendettas or long-term distraction strategies, the nation’s progress suffers. Time and resources spent on unproductive political fights could be used to develop policies, pass laws, and create programs that actually help people.
There is also a cultural aspect to political focus. In some cases, politics becomes more about personalities than policies. This leads to a cycle where public discussions revolve around individuals rather than the systems and solutions needed to improve the country. It is easier to talk about the latest political scandal than to dig into complex issues like agricultural reform, climate adaptation, or healthcare funding. But easier does not always mean better.
The vice president’s case is only one example of how political attention can be consumed by a single controversy. Whether one supports or opposes her, it is worth asking whether this focus is truly the best use of national energy. If the aim is to protect democracy and accountability, then all leaders and offices should be held to the same standard. Selective scrutiny undermines the principle of fairness.
Filipinos deserve leadership that prioritizes problem-solving over point-scoring. The country faces serious challenges, from poverty reduction to education quality, from infrastructure gaps to environmental threats. Each of these requires time, planning, and consistent action. They cannot be solved if lawmakers, media, and the public are constantly diverted to political chess matches.
At the end of the day, political drama is temporary, but its distractions can leave lasting consequences. If major decisions are delayed or ignored because attention is elsewhere, the missed opportunities can take years to recover. This is why it is so important for citizens to demand balanced governance. It is not enough to watch from the sidelines and accept whatever narrative dominates the news cycle.
It is also important to stay informed beyond headlines. Reading official reports, checking multiple news sources, and engaging in local community discussions can provide a fuller picture. A well-informed public is harder to mislead and harder to distract. While political fights will always exist, their power to derail national priorities depends on how much attention people are willing to give them.
The Philippines has the talent, resources, and potential to progress, but these must be matched with wise governance and focused effort. Debt can be managed, corruption can be reduced, and the economy can grow if attention is placed where it is most needed. This requires not only political will but also public insistence that leaders work for the people, not just for their own political survival.
In the coming years, the political landscape will continue to shift. Elections will bring new faces and new alliances, but the underlying needs of the people will remain. The challenge is to make sure these needs are not forgotten in the noise. The country cannot afford to spend years circling around the same controversies while the debt grows, the cost of living rises, and essential reforms stall.
Progress begins with focus. If public energy is spent wisely, the Philippines can address its core challenges and build a future where political drama does not overshadow development. But if distractions win, then the cycle of frustration will continue. It is up to both leaders and citizens to decide which path to take.
Disclaimer: This blog is a work of opinion and commentary. It does not represent the views of any individual, group, or organization and should not be taken as a statement of fact about specific persons or events. Readers are encouraged to seek information from multiple sources before forming their own conclusions.
