On September 21, 2025, the International Day of Peace, Filipinos protested against corruption in the streets and public spaces. The United Nations General Assembly established September 21st as International Day of Peace in 2001, aiming for a global ceasefire, non-violence, and promoting a culture of peace. The pursuit of peace is a fundamental human right, and Filipinos are promoting peace by speaking out against corruption. The relationship between corruption and peace is deeply intertwined and negative, with corruption driving instability and being a significant barrier to achieving and maintaining peace. Corruption undermines the social contract and legitimacy of the state, eroding the foundation of a peaceful society. When public officials use their power for private gain, they betray the social contract, leading to a loss of trust in government institutions. Corruption fuels grievances and inequality by diverting public funds away from essential services, creating a system where success depends on “who you know” and bribes rather than merit. This blocks social mobility and entrenches the power of a corrupt elite, resulting in deep-seated grievances among the people that can lead to social unrest, protests, and violent conflict. Corruption weakens key institutions necessary for peace, such as the security sector, judiciary, and electoral system. In active conflict zones, corruption fuels and prolongs violent conflict, and corrupt elites may sabotage peace agreements if they threaten their illicit revenue streams. The absence of peace creates an environment for corruption to flourish, with a breakdown of rules and weakened civil society. Corruption is a form of violence and leads to other forms of violence, making building sustainable peace difficult and leading to a high risk of relapse into violence. Fighting corruption is a core component of peacebuilding, and effective peace agreements must include anti-corruption measures such as transparent financial systems, judicial reform, and support for civil society and independent media. Filipinos have been trapped in this cycle for so long, and to build peace, they must take action against corruption.
