Benjamin Franklin, amidst the birth pangs of a new nation, penned a simple truth to a French colleague in 1789: “Our new Constitution is now established… but in this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes.” It wasn’t a cynical observation, but a grounded one, born from a life steeped in both scientific inquiry and the messy realities of governance.
Franklin wasn’t merely a politician; he was a relentless innovator. He gifted the world with the lightning rod, bifocal glasses, and even a more efficient stove. Beyond inventions, he charted ocean currents, studied meteorology, and composed music, mastering instruments like the violin and guitar. He was a true polymath, a mind constantly seeking to understand and improve the world around him.
This relentless pursuit of knowledge extended to the very fabric of society. Franklin delved into demography, the study of populations, and passionately advocated for the principles that would define America. He understood that a nation’s strength lay not just in its ideals, but in the active participation and integrity of its citizens – in their willingness to uphold the law and contribute to the common good.
He believed deeply in the importance of civic duty: obeying laws, paying taxes, defending the country, and electing leaders of principle. These weren’t burdens, but essential obligations for a functioning society. His faith in a higher power was equally profound, believing God governed human affairs and that virtue would ultimately be rewarded.
Even as he celebrated American independence, Franklin harbored a quiet worry about its longevity. He recognized the fragility of freedom, the constant need for vigilance and adherence to the Constitution’s core values. He even mused about the possibility of reversing death itself, wishing for a way to observe America a century into the future.
This brings us to a modern echo of Franklin’s observation – in the Philippines, a nation of over 112 million people, where faith runs deep and the promise of resurrection holds profound meaning. It’s a country grappling with the same fundamental truths: the inevitability of death, the necessity of taxes, and the enduring hope for renewal.
Recently, a shadow has fallen across the archipelago. President Marcos Jr. publicly challenged legislators and officials, demanding accountability for corruption within government projects. The accusations are serious, implicating dozens in a web of alleged fraud stretching back two decades.
Despite the outcry, investigations have stalled, hampered by legal loopholes and a frustrating lack of progress. A significant portion of tax revenue – an estimated 70% – vanishes through corruption, yet the Bureau of Internal Revenue still reports strong collections. A troubling disconnect that fuels public cynicism.
Public sentiment is shifting, though. While a majority still believe those responsible will face justice, that confidence has waned in recent months. A growing number express doubt that the justice system can effectively prosecute high-level corruption, a sentiment that threatens the very foundations of good governance.
Yet, even amidst this disillusionment, a demand for accountability persists. Public opinion increasingly favors holding even powerful figures – including former President Duterte – accountable for past actions. This desire for justice, for a reckoning, is a powerful force.
The current Vice-President has also faced scrutiny, with calls for an impeachment trial growing louder. Despite attempts to evade accountability, the pressure mounts, fueled by allegations of misuse of funds and other constitutional violations. The pursuit of truth, however difficult, continues.
Franklin, in his *Poor Richard’s Almanack*, warned that “Pardoning the Bad, is injuring the Good.” He urged citizens to speak out against wrongdoing, to hold their leaders accountable. “Justice will not be served until those who are unaffected are as outraged as those who are,” he wisely observed.
And the practicalities remain. As April 15th approaches, citizens are reminded of their fundamental duty: to pay their taxes. It’s a simple act, yet one that underpins the very infrastructure of a functioning society.
In the Philippines, as in Franklin’s America, the cycle continues. Death is inevitable, taxes are necessary, and the hope for resurrection – both literal and societal – endures. It’s a timeless truth, a constant reminder of the enduring challenges and unwavering possibilities of the human condition.
