The recent Miss Universe 2025 competition has once again captured the nation's attention, with Filipino fans erupting in passionate debate following Ma. Ahtisa Manalo's 3rd runner-up finish. The entire country engaged in what has become a familiar ritual of intense analysis and critique.
The National Obsession with Pageantry
Filipino pageant enthusiasts left no detail unexamined. Manalo's walk, styling choices, facial expressions, and gown selection were meticulously dissected across social media platforms and group chats. Every Filipino seemed to transform into an expert judge, with timelines becoming virtual commentary panels and barkada conversations turning into selection committee meetings.
Pageantry in the Philippines has evolved into a national sport, approached with the same intensity and precision that athletes bring to their training. We measure every gesture, analyze every syllable spoken during question rounds, and scrutinize every microsecond of performance with relentless dedication.
The Disturbing Paradox of Public Scrutiny
Here lies the troubling contradiction that becomes more apparent with each pageant season. We exercise microscopic examination of women wearing rhinestone crowns, yet remain largely silent about the men and women who wear the figurative crowns of governance and public authority.
We passionately critique a queen's speech delivery but rarely question a local government's procurement processes. We debate a contestant's preparedness while ignoring officials' unexplained wealth. We analyze candidate placements with fervor, yet allow flood-control projects, budget insertions, and public anomalies to pass without similar intensity.
These governance decisions shape our daily lives far more significantly than any pageant result, yet they receive only a fraction of the public attention and scrutiny.
Legal Framework for Accountability
Accountability for public servants isn't merely political rhetoric—it's a foundational principle of our democracy. Our legal system clearly establishes that public office constitutes a public trust. Republic Act 6713, the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards, requires officials to act with integrity and prioritize public interest over personal gain.
The law mandates that officials submit truthful Statements of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALN) to ensure transparency. The Supreme Court emphasized in Republic v. Sereno (G.R. No. 237428, May 11, 2018) that filing SALN isn't a trivial formality. Public officials cannot exercise discretion over this constitutional requirement designed to combat corruption.
Additional legislation like the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act (RA 3019), the Plunder Law (RA 7080), and the New Government Procurement Act (RA 12009) establish clear expectations for public servants. These laws regulate everything from infrastructure development to health procurement and those notoriously questionable flood-control projects.
Our system provides mechanisms for citizens to examine planning, bidding, implementation, and audit trails. Institutions like the Ombudsman (under RA 6770) can investigate, prosecute, and penalize officials for graft and ethical violations. The Commission on Audit (COA) possesses constitutional authority to inspect accounts, issue suspension notices, and demand repayment of illegal expenditures.
A Call for Redirected Energy
Imagine if the same energy displayed during Miss Universe 2025 analysis were directed toward examining flood-control contracts or budget allocations. Consider what might happen if every Filipino became as vigilant about audit findings as they are about gown selections and Q&A performances.
We replay pageant candidates' answers repeatedly, yet rarely review local executives' statements during budget hearings. We track Miss Universe results with passion but often overlook COA audit revelations showing millions in questionable disbursements.
After every Miss Universe coronation, we celebrate Filipino excellence, determination, and pride. Perhaps it's time we equally embrace Filipino responsibility—including our right to question and demand accountability from those in power.
Pageants stir our national passion, but governance ultimately determines our collective future. The choice of where to direct our scrutiny moving forward remains ours to make.
