[Ask the Tax Whiz] An open letter to the Philippine Senate

IMPEACHMENT COURT. Senators wear crimson robes as the upper chamber convenes as an impeachment court for the trial of Vice President Sara Duterte on May 18, 2026. Senate Social Media Unit We deserve leaders who inspire trust instead of division, confidence instead of exhaustion, and hope instead of cynicism Dear Senate President Gatchalian and Honorable Members of the Senate, I write this letter not as a tax expert, but simply as a Filipino citizen and taxpayer who still believes in the dignity of public service. Many of us grew up believing that the Senate is the highest deliberative body in the country—a place where wisdom, civility, and statesmanship rise above anger, pride, and political theater. Sadly, many Filipinos no longer see it that way. Over the past several weeks, I have traveled from Australia to Canada, the United States, and now Europe, promoting the Philippines as an investment destination. Yet almost everywhere I go—even in China—the same question comes up: “What is happening in your Senate?” Instead of talking about our economic reforms, investment opportunities, and the potential of the Filipino people, I often find myself explaining the political turmoil back home. That is a burden no Filipino should have to carry while representing our country abroad. While our people struggle with rising prices, recover from natural disasters, and endure one corruption controversy after another, many have watched—some even entertained—by the endless livestreams, public feuds, grandstanding, and political drama that increasingly define our national discourse. The Senate should never become a stage for performance when the nation is crying out for leadership. Regardless of political affiliation, majority or minority, every senator has the solemn duty to protect not only the Constitution but also the dignity and credibility of the Senate itself. Passion is welcome. Accountability is essential. But respect, humility, professionalism, and self-restraint must never be sacrificed. The world is watching. Investors, development partners, and millions of Filipinos around the globe look to the Philippine Senate as a reflection of our democracy. Let us give them a reason to admire our institutions—not question them. The Filipino people deserve a Senate that spends more time solving national problems than creating political spectacles. We deserve leaders who inspire trust instead of division, confidence instead of exhaustion, and hope instead of cynicism. We expect more from our senators because the Philippines deserves better. Respectfully, Mon AbreaA Filipino citizen and taxpayer Mon Abrea is a Global Tax Policy Expert and Chief Tax Advisor of the Asian Consulting Group (ACGlobal), the Philippines’ premier international tax advisory and investment consulting tirm. A graduate of Harvard, with executive education at Oxford and advanced tax policy studies at Duke, he is known as “The Philippine Tax Whiz” and a leading advocate of genuine tax reform, advising multinational corporations, foreign investors, and policymakers. Follow him @askthetaxwhiz How does this make you feel? Loading