*For our non-football fans, the term “Hail Mary” in this context is an idiom used to describe a long, desperate pass near the end of a game, hoping a receiver can catch it for a touchdown. The literal “Hail Mary” is a prayer addressed to Mary, the mother of Christ, according to Catholic doctrine.
I recently read an article in BALITA’s November 15 issue titled “The Philippines’ Massive Corruption is Beyond Human Solution.” While I agree with the assertion that the current “old guard” cannot provide a viable solution, I disagree with the writer’s belief that a Revelation-based resolution can resolve our multi-generational affinity with corruption. Our historical focus on the metaphysical has not deterred us from embracing a corrupt mindset.
Later in this article, I will propose a “Hail Mary” solution that could address many of our structural governance problems, including corruption and other issues that have plagued our country for generations.
First, let’s take a step back to understand why we are suddenly so alarmed about corruption—a problem that has existed for as long as I can remember. In the most recent Mega-Manila survey, 77% say corruption in government is more widespread, with 75% saying government officials initiate bribes.
However, the World Values Survey found that Filipinos are the most bribery-tolerant country in the region, with only 30.6% of Filipino respondents outright rejecting bribery—much lower than Indonesia’s 70.4%, Thailand’s 69.9%, Japan’s 81%, and Singapore’s 81.7%. Our politicians are well aware of this situation, which contributes to a culture of impunity. If you take a values survey in atheist Scandinavia, an outright rejection ( of corruption ) will almost certainly be universal.
It isn’t always a blatant money grab. It can also manifest through government policies that favour a particular voting bloc or serve as favours to cronies in a cultural context of “utang na loob” (debt of gratitude). When it becomes institutionalized and turns into a sociopolitical tradition, the citizenry can become desensitized. In the Philippines, this takes many forms, including bribery, cronyism, fraud, tax evasion, vote-buying, embezzlement, and political patronage—essentially anything that grants wealth and power to the perpetrators.
People in power understand that a significant portion of the population is too impoverished (the “self-rated poor” exceeds 50%, according to Mangahas’ Social Weather Stations data—twice the government’s figures) to focus on anything beyond maintaining a minimum-wage job and putting food on the table. The wealthy remain indifferent because the status quo benefits them. Meanwhile, the middle class is leaving in droves, benefiting other countries, while those who remain are left on their knees, praying a Hail Mary (both literally and figuratively).
Five hundred years of praying for divine intervention have not provided relief from our ailments because either we have failed to understand our role in applying faith to moral integrity, or we have been unwilling to face the sacrifices necessary to achieve meaningful outcomes.
If there is indeed a God, we may have been praying to the wrong one (see: https://opinion.inquirer.net/111694/praying-wrong-god). It’s worth noting that in 2025, only 30% (2.6 billion) of the world’s population will identify as Christian (less than half of whom are Catholics). China, with its 1.4 billion people, has just 1% of its population as Christians (0.43% Catholics). So, if you think the idea of praying to the wrong God is absurd, think again!
What might have occurred after Magellan planted the cross in Cebu in 1521? We seem to endure a disproportionate share of “Acts of God,” with Cebu suffering particularly recently. The recent typhoon (Tino) and earthquake have caused significant loss of life and extensive infrastructure damage.
If you find these discussions preposterous, I understand. They may seem that way. However, after 70,000 years since humans invented a God, and 11,000 years since monotheism became predominant, this notion is now ingrained in our culture. We are currently in a period of Enlightenment—300 years—a relatively short time in the grand scheme of evolution, which demands a gradual process to overcome this “belief DNA.” It’s a slow journey, but it is progressing and gaining momentum each year.
Clearly, natural selection, even under human control, is too slow to effect the necessary change. How much longer can we tolerate an unresponsive, self-serving, and corrupt government? The latest wave of fraudulency and crookedness has touched a raw nerve; patience has worn thin, and the public is tired of church-going politicians who personify corruption.
The image of former First Lady Imelda Marcos praying the rosary while walking on her knees to the altar (in 1990, after being acquitted of federal racketeering charges in New York, where she walked on her knees down the aisle of St. Patrick’s Cathedral) epitomizes how a seemingly rational mind (?) can succumb to self-serving theatrics. What was she thinking? Why draw attention to her family’s history of human rights abuses and the massive corruption that occurred during Marcos’s administration?
It is important to note that the former president has been ranked among the most corrupt leaders in history, coming in second only to Indonesia’s Suharto among the top ten.
So, what’s next? What can we do if we cannot overcome this persistent issue that worsens as access to money and a culture of impunity overwhelm? It has become a living nightmare that shows no signs of slowing down, let alone being eradicated.
A “HAIL MARY” THAT CAN ADDRESS THIS INTRANSIGENT PROBLEM.
Let me begin by introducing Tilly Norwood, whose picture is shown below.
Tilly Norwood is not a real person; she is an AI-generated actress created by the UK production company Particle6 Group in 2025. A physicist developed her, and she is capable of performing any task we would expect from an actress on screen—and more. Like all AIs, she is driven by computer data. For instance, you can program into her the performances of every Oscar-winning actor since Janet Gaynor, who won Best Actress at the first Academy Awards in 1929.
Claiming that the only limit to what AI can accomplish is our imagination reflects a misunderstanding of the technology. While our neurological capabilities may limit our imagination, advanced AI can create its own conceptualizations by drawing on data from millions of neurological sources. There is no debate about AI’s vast potential. In this context, the film industry has already issued a statement opposing the replacement of human actors with synthetic ones. A particularly telling remark came from award-winning British actress Emily Blunt, who said, “Good Lord, we’re screwed!” Yes, Ms. Blunt, look at Tilly Norwood; the difference between real and AI is zero! The best thing about AI is that anything can be “tweaked” to serve a multitude of purposes.
The Hollywood community has been selective in its criticism, conveniently forgetting that PIXAR, a “synthetic” version of traditional Disney cartoons, has been making a significant impact since its first film, “Toy Story,” debuted in 1995. Disney owns PIXAR, and its movies are computer-animated productions created by human artists and directors. We are approaching an AI animation future with less and less human input.
A whole genre of completely AI-generated films is on the horizon. This would include actors, scripts, cinematography, editing, production design, sound, music, and visual effects (already, primarily computer-generated today). In fact, independent films are already being created by individuals working at a computer. Imagine the potential to develop films akin to “Titanic” or “Ben-Hur” entirely through AI. It is only a matter of time before we see sequels to classic films (Sound of Music II, anyone?).
In this scenario, the traditional Hollywood system may not create the movie; rather, the script, the performances, the music, and everything else would be AI-generated. By this stage, we will have made significant progress in quantum computing and advanced AI, which may even become an independent entity created by its own development.
GEN Z WILL LEAD AN AI-POWERED GOVERNMENT, “NO CAP!”
Every technological advancement in history begins with skepticism and suspicion, which often slows down the pace of change. However, we are no longer in those stagnant times when research was heavily centred in the sciences. We are now reaping the benefits of past research. Boomers have a unique perspective on the difference between then and now. The new generations, from millennials to the current Alphas, are products of immense technological advancement, possessing a greater understanding of applied science and, therefore, a higher acceptance of emerging technologies, such as advanced computer systems, automation, and robotics.
These systems can perform tasks beyond human capabilities or achieve results previously unattainable. In the Philippines, a new wave of young politicians is emerging, showcasing a perspective that differs from the entrenched old guard—thankfully, these outdated leaders won’t be around much longer.
AI has the potential to manage tasks that require multiple complex systems to work together effectively to deliver optimal outcomes. AI is already being used across sectors, including agriculture, manufacturing, banking and finance, transportation, gaming, and virtual assistance (think Siri and Alexa). Even in war, as observed in the conflict in Ukraine, drones and unmanned ground vehicles are now replacing traditional weapon systems.
Transitioning to AI-powered governance is a small step for countries that are unable or unwilling to provide an effective government that serves their citizens, focusing on economic development, social cohesion, public trust, and low corruption.
I am not suggesting that the transition to this form of government will be easy, nor am I claiming that the Philippines will lead this unprecedented shift on its own. I envision a scenario where many advanced nations adopt AI governance, if only for its sheer efficiency. The old guard and their longstanding dynasties, remnants of a corrupt past, will attempt to maintain the status quo. Still, by then, the momentum of this significant change will have overpowered the traditionalists.
The young members of the government (Gen Z and beyond) will lead a constitutional overhaul that reflects not only the will of the people but also the technological realities that will guide future decision-making. This transformation aims to maintain order and security, manage the economy, create and enforce laws, and conduct foreign affairs.
An early version of an AI-driven government will be a hybrid arrangement where technocrats develop the government’s cyber capabilities. They will input data in line with universally accepted norms of good governance, such as those in Singapore or Denmark, which can then be integrated into AI systems. An autonomous AI could be programmed with insights from the best contributions of global leaders, aligned with our national goals.
I used to believe all of this was preposterous, mere idle nonsense. However, I’ve come to understand that AI, despite being a relatively new application of cyber technology, possesses massive transformative potential. When citizens reach their limits of tolerance, when values continue to decline, and when new generations pose an existential threat to society, we may find ourselves in need of a Hail Mary—a desperate last-ditch effort, much like a long forward pass in football, to break the logjam. Unlike a football play, this Hail Mary could lead to genuine success.
I now see this as the wave of the future. Governments will adopt comprehensive constitutional amendments that open the door to AI, potentially leading to an autonomous entity that delivers a benevolent, effective, and corruption-free administration. Dynasty politics, cronyism, and autocracy will eventually fade away.
We might even envision an AI-generated composite of a futuristic president leading the country. Today, it is actress Tilly Norwood, and later it may be President Felipo Korapno, a blend of figures like Lee Kuan Yew, Franklin Roosevelt, Angela Merkel, Winston Churchill, and Ramon Magsaysay. This concept takes the idea of “the sky’s the limit” to a whole new level.
While none of us may be alive to see this future unfold, it is no longer a far-fetched, foolish notion. It stands in stark contrast to the current “kleptopoliticians” we endure—pathetic, greedy, phony mongrels still attempting to extricate their hands from the cookie jar.
May they R.I.P. (Rot In Prison).
Edwin de Leon, M.Ed., is the author of “Memories and Reflections.” Limited copies are available on eBay.ca.
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