We the Pvblic

We the Pvblic WE THE PVBLIC is a platform that aims to inform, engage, influence, and inspire the Filipino youth.

Recent survey from The Social Weather Station (SWS) indicates 90% of Filipinos still hopeful, but New Year optimism hits...
28/12/2024

Recent survey from The Social Weather Station (SWS) indicates 90% of Filipinos still hopeful, but New Year optimism hits a 15-year low. What’s behind the drop? Comment down below!

PSA:  reminds us to be kind to our pets amidst festivities. 📸
27/12/2024

PSA: reminds us to be kind to our pets amidst festivities.

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Christmas is a meant to be for love and compassion. But let’s be real: how can we deck the halls and sing about peace on...
26/12/2024

Christmas is a meant to be for love and compassion. But let’s be real: how can we deck the halls and sing about peace on earth while ignoring the cries from Gaza?

The similarities between the Christmas tale and the situation in Gaza cannot be more pronounced — families fleeing, kids in the middle of chaos, and a society too busy to give a damn. Jesus was born under the shadow of oppression, a story we retell every December with enthusiasm. Yet, as bombs fall and lives are lost in Gaza, the silence from many who claim to celebrate peace is deafening.

The issue isn’t just geopolitical; it’s moral. You cannot celebrate Christmas — a holiday rooted in the idea of hope for the downtrodden — while remaining indifferent to the ongoing violence in Gaza. This isn’t about choosing sides in a complicated conflict; it’s about choosing humanity.

So this Christmas, as you unwrap your gifts and light your parol, ask yourself: what would the Jesus of Nazareth, the rebel, the refugee, do?

Defending Gaza doesn’t require you to abandon your traditions or stop celebrating. It asks you to live up to the values those traditions claim to represent: love, justice, and peace. Because until there’s peace in Gaza, there’s no real peace to sing about.

In case you missed it, the government has been swapping out historical heroes from our banknotes like it’s a reality TV ...
20/12/2024

In case you missed it, the government has been swapping out historical heroes from our banknotes like it’s a reality TV elimination round. Remember when we had the likes of Josefa Llanes Escoda, Vicente Lim, and Jose Abad Santos gracing our bills? Now they’ve been replaced by national landmarks and… fauna. Not to knock the iconic tarsier, but the move leaves us asking: is this what the government thinks we care about?

Spoiler alert: WE DONT.

Here’s the tea: while the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas is busy pimping up our cash aesthetics, millions of Filipinos are struggling to get their hands on those banknotes. Basic commodities are priced like luxury items, and wages haven’t caught up since ever. In a country where economic disparity is high, no one’s losing sleep over what’s on the money we barely have.

The BSP claims the redesign is about national identity, modern security features, and making bills more durable. Sure, fine. Some historians argue that removing our heroes from banknotes erases cultural memory. Fair point. But for the average Juan, the bigger issue is what the bills represent: a currency that’s losing value, wages that remain stagnant, and an economy that prioritizes how things look over substance.

At the end of the day, who’s on the banknotes doesn’t matter when most Filipinos are struggling to keep any cash in their wallets. So, BSP, you want to redesign our bills? Start with ensuring they’re actually worth something.

2025 National Budget signing has hit an unexpected snag as the President announced its postponement. Marcos said the bud...
19/12/2024

2025 National Budget signing has hit an unexpected snag as the President announced its postponement. Marcos said the budget as approved by the bicameral conference committee conflicted with the policies of his administration. Huli pero di kulong?

In true Pinoy fashion, we’ve all been here before - big promises, vague explanations, and, boom, billions in public fund...
18/12/2024

In true Pinoy fashion, we’ve all been here before - big promises, vague explanations, and, boom, billions in public funds go p**f. The latest budget circus has the Ayuda para sa Kapos ang Kita Program (AKAP) at the center of heated debates, with critics dubbing it as nothing more than pork barrel in disguise. The Senate tried to remove it suspecting it might be used for political patronage. Still, the House fought tooth and nail to keep it.

For context, AKAP has been allocated a whopping ₱26 billion in the 2025 budget. It’s supposedly meant to provide financial assistance to struggling Filipinos, targeting four million beneficiaries. Sounds noble, right? Let’s unpack why this reeks of something familiar - and not in a good way.

Remember the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF)? Aka the OG pork barrel scandal that revealed billions funneled into ghost projects, fake NGOs, and private pockets? The AKAP setup gives us déjà vu. Sure, the names and intentions may differ, but the glaring lack of transparency and accountability? It’s a straight-up copy-paste. Programs like AKAP - without proper safeguards - become prime opportunities for patronage. Public funds end up as political tokens, conveniently released right before election season. Coincidence? We think not.

One of the biggest red flags here is how vague the mechanisms for AKAP are. How will the funds be distributed? What metrics determine eligibility? Are there safeguards to prevent misuse? These questions hang in the air while officials assure us everything’s above board. Haven’t we heard this before? And during the budget appropriation hearings, AKAP was grilled for its resemblance to the old pork barrel playbook - billions funneled into unprogrammed funds that are easier to manipulate.

Here’s the thing: no one’s against ayuda. In fact, we desperately need programs that help marginalized Filipinos survive the day-to-day grind. But when you slap a multi-billion peso price tag on a vague program with little oversight, you’re asking for trouble. Filipinos deserve better - better transparency, better governance, better allocation of their hard-earned taxes. After all, public funds are our funds. If AKAP’s budget ends up in the same black hole as past pork barrel scandals, the ones who lose out aren’t the politicians but the people who need help the most.

We’ve been burned before, and it’s time we collectively learn. Supporting public assistance programs doesn’t mean blindly greenlighting bloated budgets. It means demanding accountability, asking hard questions, and calling out any signs of abuse. So, is AKAP ayuda o abuso? Maglolokohan pa ba tayo?

Guess who's back, back again... but 1,300 friends didn’t make the PSA guest list.
17/12/2024

Guess who's back, back again... but 1,300 friends didn’t make the PSA guest list.

Let’s face it, paying for government mandated benefits like SSS, PhilHealth, and others feels less like investing in you...
16/12/2024

Let’s face it, paying for government mandated benefits like SSS, PhilHealth, and others feels less like investing in your future and more like donating to a chaotic raffle where the odds are never in your favor. Between fund mismanagement and corruption scandals, Filipinos are asking - “Ano bang napapala natin dito?”

Theoretically, SSS and PhilHealth exist to provide a safety net. They’re supposed to protect us from life’s inevitable curveballs and to be fair, these systems do serve millions, especially those who can’t afford private alternatives.

But here’s the catch: the balik (return) often feels like a slap in the face. SSS pensions barely cover monthly groceries, let alone the rising cost of living. PhilHealth, meanwhile, often provides laughably small reimbursements for medical expenses. If you’ve ever had to deal with a major illness, you probably ended up paying out of pocket anyway.

Then there are the scandals. Remember the PhilHealth executives accused of pocketing billions? Or the SSS bonuses handed out despite fund deficits? These aren’t isolated incidents - they’re symptoms of a system plagued by inefficiency and corruption.

The worst part? You don’t get a choice. Whether you trust these institutions or not, you’re legally obligated to contribute. It’s like being forced to pay for a meal at a restaurant known for serving spoiled food.

Private insurance and retirement plans might seem like the obvious solution, but they’re not perfect either. They’re often expensive and inaccessible to the average Filipino.

The issue isn’t just about public vs. private - it’s about accountability and reform. What good are mandatory contributions if the systems managing them are broken? At the same time, privatizing social security isn’t the answer. Social safety nets are essential, but they need to work for the people, not against them.

Right now, paying into SSS and PhilHealth feels more like a civic duty than a genuine investment. But are we angry enough to demand change? Because until we fix the rot, we’ll keep pouring money into a bottomless pit and hoping for a miracle.

And honestly, meron ba talaga tayong matatakbuhan kung sakali?

Let’s be honest, we love a good scandal. From celebrity exposés to influencer dramas, nothing gets Pinoys more riled up ...
06/12/2024

Let’s be honest, we love a good scandal. From celebrity exposés to influencer dramas, nothing gets Pinoys more riled up than a juicy personal fall from grace. But why are we more invested in who’s cheating on whom than in politicians cheating us all?

Take a look around. Public funds disappear faster than a text reply from your ex, and laws are bent to serve dynasties rather than the people. These aren’t just “chismis”—these are systemic betrayals that shape our everyday struggles. Yet, the collective rage is often channeled into hashtags and viral memes, while political cheaters enjoy impunity and reelection.

Sure, celebrity scandals are accessible and personal. They’re distractions that feel cathartic because they let us air our frustrations. But the reality is, these dramas don’t cost you your hard-earned taxes or deny you public services. Politicians who play the system do.

So why are we so fixated on personal sins when the real heartbreak lies in failed governance? Maybe it’s because systemic issues feel too overwhelming to tackle. It’s easier to slam a cheating artista than to demand accountability from institutions. But here’s the catch: ignoring the big stuff won’t make it go away.

Imagine what could happen if we redirected even half of our energy for celebrity gossip into scrutinizing political systems. Let’s go beyond keyboard activism. Get involved, question narratives, and hold leaders accountable.

Because while cheating in relationships hurts, cheating an entire nation? That’s unforgivable. It’s time to demand better, not just for ourselves but for the generations to come.

Who’s Gaggin’ at  Wrapped?Spotify just dropped its yearend Wrapped, and this time, they’ve added archetypes - because ap...
06/12/2024

Who’s Gaggin’ at Wrapped?

Spotify just dropped its yearend Wrapped, and this time, they’ve added archetypes - because apparently, playlists and minutes streamed weren’t enough to roast us. And let’s be real: who isn’t gaggin’ at the uncanny accuracy of these labels? It’s like your taste in music just got psychoanalyzed.

Honestly, Spotify Wrapped is no longer a recap - it’s a mirror to your soul. It’s messy, judgmental, and somehow way too spot-on.

Tag yourself in the comments. Let’s see who has the most chaotic archetype!

Pantone’s Color of the Year is here. Whether you love it or hate it, one thing’s for sure - it’s time match our energy w...
06/12/2024

Pantone’s Color of the Year is here. Whether you love it or hate it, one thing’s for sure - it’s time match our energy with our COFFEE VIBES! Let’s all have a smooth, warm, and caffeinated 2025! ☕️☕️☕️

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We love a spectacle—especially when it involves watching someone else fall from grace. Over time, we’ve turned public sh...
04/12/2024

We love a spectacle—especially when it involves watching someone else fall from grace. Over time, we’ve turned public shaming into a cultural event, often disguising it as discourse. But beneath the outrage lies a deeper obsession: our relentless need to be right.

We demand perfection from public figures, yet conveniently excuse our own lapses. It’s easier to throw stones when we’re not in the spotlight.

But here’s the thing: in our rush to judge, we often overlook the complexities of real lives. Those individuals trending for their misstep are still human. That person with the “wrong” opinion might be speaking from a place of personal struggle. And yes, even that politician we despise exists in a SYSTEM that’s failed us all.

This isn’t to excuse bad behavior. Accountability matters. But we must acknowledge that life rarely operates in moral absolutes. The world doesn’t need another thread exposing someone’s flaws; it needs people willing to pause, reflect, and understand.

After all, life isn’t a contest of who can yell the loudest. It’s messy, unfair, and painfully human - just like you and me.

Gen Z is rewriting the rules of employment in the Philippines, ushering in the era of “quiet fire.” If “quiet quitting” ...
02/12/2024

Gen Z is rewriting the rules of employment in the Philippines, ushering in the era of “quiet fire.” If “quiet quitting” was about setting boundaries, quiet fire takes it a step further—cutting ties with anything that no longer serves their peace of mind.

From jobs to toxic relationships, the younger generation isn’t afraid to pull the plug. Tired of the “tiis-ganda” mentality, they’re proving that life isn’t just about enduring.

Quiet fire challenges long-held norms, especially in a country where sacrifice is glorified. Think about it: how often have you heard - “Kaya mo ‘yan, tiis lang” as a badge of honor? For Gen Z, this coping mechanism feels more like a trap than a virtue.

But it doesn’t end at work. Quiet fire has become a rallying cry in personal lives, too. Ghosting toxic friends or partners isn’t just acceptable—it’s celebrated. While some call it escapism, others argue it’s the ultimate form of self-respect.

Still, critics are skeptical. Is this newfound independence empowering or just a way to dodge responsibilities?

Those who promote quiet fire says it isn’t about running away; it’s about redefining resilience. It’s a rebellion against systems and relationships that exploit, belittle, or ignore. It’s proof that knowing when to walk away is sometimes the most powerful move of all.

So, whether you’re stuck in a draining job or a joyless relationship, this might be your sign. After all, life’s too short for “tiis-ganda.”

The simmering tension between Vice President Sara Duterte and President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has taken anothe...
25/11/2024

The simmering tension between Vice President Sara Duterte and President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has taken another twist with Duterte issuing vague but pointed threats towards the administration.

Duterte’s latest outburst, a thinly veiled dig at Marcos, comes off as more bark than bite. She positions herself as the tough-talking disruptor, but what’s the substance behind the spectacle? This political posturing isn’t new. In the Duterte-Marcos dynamic, the game of empty promises and hollow threats has been normalized.

What do these empty threats and declarations mean for Filipinos? They distract from the very real crises we face: inflation, education reform, and a spiraling climate disaster. Instead of addressing these issues, our leaders engage in tit-for-tat rivalries that prioritize ego over nation.

Duterte’s threats, like the administration itself, seem to echo a larger truth about Philippine politics: promises are easily broken, and threats are rarely carried out. They’re performances designed to maintain influence while leaving systemic issues untouched.

Filipinos deserve better than threats with no follow-through. If both camps focus less on vendettas and more on governance, perhaps we’d see leadership worthy of the positions they hold. Until then, it’s all noise.

With online scams and phishing incidents at an all-time high, the question of trust in our payment methods is more relev...
21/11/2024

With online scams and phishing incidents at an all-time high, the question of trust in our payment methods is more relevant than ever. Digital wallets like GCash and Maya have made cashless transactions convenient, but their vulnerabilities have also left users anxious. Every other day, you hear about accounts drained, OTPs stolen, or phishing texts luring unsuspecting victims.

So, is it time to go back to basics? Cold hard cash may seem outdated, but it doesn’t require passwords, OTPs, or internet connections—it’s immune to digital fraud. However, carrying cash comes with its own risks: theft, bulkiness, and the inconvenience of exact change.

GCash dominates the Philippine market, thanks to its integration with everyday merchants and services, but Maya prides itself on added features like cryptocurrency wallets and investments. The trade-off? More features often mean more loopholes for hackers to exploit.

Ultimately, it boils down to what you value most: convenience, innovation, or security? Are digital platforms redeemable despite their flaws, or is cash still king? Sound off in the comments—where do you place your trust?

Nadine Lustre's latest endorsement of an online gambling platform has ruffled feathers, but it says more about our cultu...
19/11/2024

Nadine Lustre's latest endorsement of an online gambling platform has ruffled feathers, but it says more about our culture of holding celebrities to unattainable standards than about Nadine herself.

Time and again, public figures are expected to embody perfection with unerring morals, despite existing in the same flawed, imperfect world as the rest of us.

Nadine, beloved for her craft and authenticity, is now being scrutinized for a professional decision, as if her career choices must align perfectly with everyone else’s moral compass. This unrealistic expectation ignores that endorsements are often strategic, professional moves. Just as the average person doesn’t necessarily love every project at work, public figures also navigate complex professional landscapes.

If you’ve ever taken a job you weren’t proud of just to make ends meet, you’d understand that work isn’t always a reflection of personal values, it’s often about survival.

Instead of projecting moral superiority onto public figures, maybe it’s time we reflect on why we demand so much from them. The world isn’t black and white, and neither are people’s choices.

So, let’s cut Nadine some slack. Instead of tearing her down, maybe we should turn our attention to the societal systems that perpetuate these dilemmas.

In a House hearing outburst, former President Duterte made headlines when he jested a punch in Senator Leila De Lima’s d...
14/11/2024

In a House hearing outburst, former President Duterte made headlines when he jested a punch in Senator Leila De Lima’s direction — an unfiltered display many saw as part of his usual bravado. This gesture, however, highlights the aggressive tendencies that have defined much of his public persona. For years, Duterte’s harsh comments, often couched as humor, have stirred controversy and divided opinion. But beyond the sound bites, it raises the question: has this brash approach to politics become dangerously normalized?

Duterte’s fans might label him a “straight talker” unburdened by decorum, but his gestures of aggression underscore a troubling erosion of respect in Filipino politics. Instead of engaging in discourse, Duterte opts for performative hostility, setting a tone that influences not only how politicians engage but also how citizens perceive and interact with each other politically.

Such antics also desensitize the public, making it easy to shrug off disrespect as “just another joke.” But should we accept our leaders treating rivals — and the public — with contempt? In times when genuine dialogue is necessary, politics seems instead reduced to aggressive theater, where contempt overshadows collaboration.

As Duterte continues with his strongman act, it might be time to consider whether these “punchlines” are entertaining or toxic. The Philippines deserves leaders who can lead without relying on taunts and threats. After all, when the jokes wear thin, the consequences remain.

If Bongbong Marcos’ presidential win felt surreal to many of us, seeing Donald Trump gear up for another term might feel...
11/11/2024

If Bongbong Marcos’ presidential win felt surreal to many of us, seeing Donald Trump gear up for another term might feel eerily similar.

Here’s a question: Have we, globally, learned anything from history? Or are we just as captivated by flashy rhetoric and “strongman” personas as ever?

Here in the Philippines, Bongbong’s rise was baffling for those who remember the years of Martial Law and the Marcos family’s turbulent history. Yet, he was ushered into office on the promise of a return to “golden times”—a narrative so selectively nostalgic that it ignores the suffering, debt, and human rights violations that marred his father’s rule.

Similarly, Trump’s pitch for office taps into that same allure of “greatness,” a “Make America Great Again” mantra that’s simple, patriotic, and emotionally stirring. Both campaigns focus on an imagined past that plays up grandeur while sweeping real issues under the rug.

Trump and Marcos Jr. both stand as symbols of “strongman” personas their supporters cling to, in hopes they’ll “shake things up.” They’ve turned national pride into a performance, often positioning themselves as the only ones “tough enough” to protect against threats, real or otherwise. This dynamic, where people align with a brand more than policies or platforms, often blindsides voters into ignoring history’s lessons.

The reality? Electing people with questionable histories, false narratives, and promises of simple fixes to complex problems just resets the cycle of disillusionment and empty change.

So, is Trump the U.S.’s Baby M.?

In many ways, yes. It’s a reminder that the politics of nostalgia, charisma, and personality-driven movements—whether in Manila or D.C.—make it easy for history to repeat itself.

What do you think? Comment your thoughts and join the discussion on whether history is truly doomed to repeat itself.

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