'Naiiyak ako': Anne Curtis laments Philippine greed, corruption in Singapore comparison

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December 18, 2025 | 12:35pm

MANILA, Philippines — Host-actress Anne Curtis expressed her frustration anew about corruption in the Philippines while comparing the progress of Southeast Asian neighbor Singapore.

Anne on an X post said how much she envied Singapore, noting that corruption was once widespread there, until former prime minster Lee Kuan Yew stepped in with a zero tolerance policy for corruption.

"Cut to this day, Singapore is thriving. A beautifully developed city, smooth roads, a gorgeous airport, proper public transportation, stunning infrastructure and yet I still see green around the city," Anne said.

The actress noted how officials in Singapore can still be tempted by greed but because of its government's staunch rule against corruption, erring officials are immediately punished once caught. Anne said this is a stark contrast to the Philippines.

"Paano na tayo Pilipinas? Ano na kaya mangyayari?" Anne continued. "I pray so hard we will all collectively vote for a leader who will want to fight corruption one day. Sana talaga. Sayang ... Pilipinas."

She went on to praise the Philippines' beautiful mountains, beaches, and islands — even calling them the best in the world — but "greed has stolen the opportunity for this country to reach its full, beautiful potential."

Random thought whilst in Singapore - NAKAKAINGGIT SILA. Upon reading, corruption USED to be widespread until they had leader, Lee Kuan Yew, who had zero tolerance policy for corruption. Cut to this day, Singapore is thriving. A beautifully developed city, smooth roads, a…

— Anne Curtis-Smith (@annecurtissmith) December 17, 2025

"Sana talaga one day. Maybe not in my lifetime but I pray for all the future Filipinos. But we have to stand up for that now. Haaaaay. Naiiyak ako," Anne ended.

One follower replied to Anne's post noting how Singapore has great stadiums and concert halls despite being the same size as Metro Manila, crediting precise city planning.

"It ruins my day everytime I think that we have Singapore's potential yet corruption just cripples us in all aspects," the follower said, to which Anne agreed with while adding that Changi Airport is only a 20-minute ride away.

Another follower pointed out it only took Singapore just over 50 years to go from being a third world country to a first world one, though another X user said Singapore managed that in under four decades.

Anne is just one of many celebrities who often voice their opinions publicly amid calls for accountability from elected officials.

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