10/12/2025
FORMER DEFENSE CHIEF NORBERTO GONZALES CALLS FOR TRANSITION GOV'T
By Kristina Maralit
Manila Times | December 10, 2025
The only way to eliminate the systemic massive corruption in the country is to have a transition government which will also rebuild the public’s eroded trust, former Defense chief Norberto Gonzales said Tuesday.
In an interview with The Manila Times Newsroom, Gonzales said Filipinos need justice now for being victims of the misuse of public funds intended for flood control projects.
A national reset would eliminate corruption and also address persistent issues such as poverty, defense and security, food insecurity, and widespread disillusionment with the government.
“This is already the belief of our people. It will be hard to erase and I think they’re correct that corruption is coming from the very top of our political leadership,” Gonzales, who was Defense chief and national security adviser during the Arroyo administration., said.
“What’s even harder, you have these people who say they will have those involved arrested when they, too, should be arrested... I hope our top officials would understand that the people now, with the kind of understanding that they have, cannot be fooled anymore,” he added.
Gonzales lamented that with the current electoral process, voters often elect into office “lesser evil” candidates or those from political dynasties thus making it doubly difficult to hold anyone accountable for misdeeds while in office.
He suggested for elected officials to take the cue from their counterparts in other countries and step down to give others intending to serve the nation and the people to govern.
“I do not believe that no one else can take over. But we must pray, pray hard that the replacements are good,” Gonzales said.
He likewise said there is “chaos” now because many are looking to run in the 2028 elections and have reservations in supporting calls to put in place a transition government because it would mean an end to their own political aspirations.
“Our country is very divided. But hopefully, we could give those who truly understand how to serve an opportunity,” he said, adding that between now and 2028 would be the perfect time for a transition.
“We have time (for a transition Constitution). We can do that. Before we talk of the next elections we should at least have a good framework for the Constitution. Our people are not stupid. Our people will begin to discern to make the right decision when the right time comes. Our politicians must be sensitive to that,” he added.