The Philippines once again finds itself grappling with the enduring scourge of corruption, an issue that has haunted the last three presidents: Ferdinand Marcos Sr, Benigno ‘Noynoy’ Aquino III, and now Ferdinand Marcos Jr. He is now trying to assume the mantle of anti-corruption reform, despite his own family name being historically associated with cronyism and ill-gotten wealth. Unlike Aquino, who launched his integrity drive at the height of his popularity, Marcos Jr faces diminishing political capital, factional rifts within congress, and a resurgent Duterte camp weaponising public anger. The stakes are high: scandals such as the multibillion-peso flood control controversy threaten to erode governance credibility at a time when systemic accountability is urgently needed. The president must move beyond rhetoric, pursuing transparency and reform even within his own circles. Without decisive action, the Philippines risks sliding into deeper political instability, echoing past failures to tackle entrenched corruption and injustice.