As talks about the forthcoming elections become much louder in recent days.
During his appearance at the ASEAN Editors and Economic Opinion Leaders Forum in Makati City, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. described the traits and capabilities of the country’s next President.
According to him, the next chief executive, who will be elected in the 2028 polls, must have a strong grasp of economics, stressing that sound economic understanding is essential to creating jobs, keeping inflation in check, and ensuring a stable and sufficient food supply.
“Well, number one, somebody who understands economics, that’s the first thing. That’s the life of the person who understands how to create jobs, who understands how to keep the inflation rate down, who understands how to make food supply a given, something that you can assume,” said the President.
He continued, “And someone who thinks about productivity, because growth is about productivity,” and explained how leadership should focus on improving education, strengthening healthcare, and supporting policies aimed at improving level the lives of Filipinos work better and more efficiently.
In addition to that, President Marcos also emphasized, “We are about nation-building. I didn’t hear that anymore. So we need to have nation builders, people who want to make the Philippines better. People who actually love the Philippines and love Filipinos and want to make things better.”
President Marcos has also acknowledged that while many capable individuals serve in government, leadership at the highest level requires experience, credibility, and public trust.
“Not soon. Timing is everything,” the President Marcos said on the question on whether he is already eyeing potential successors.
UNITY, REGARDLESS OF POLITICAL COLORS
Meanwhile, the Malacañan Palace said on Wednesday that the administration is pursuing unity regradless of political color.
The comment comes after President Marcos met with his former Presidential rivals in the 2022 polls and even did moves like wearing pink socks during a visit to Naga City, the hometown of Mayor Leni Robredo, and the memorabilia honoring boxing champ and former Senator Manny Pacquiao.
“Pink socks, Pacquiao memorabilia — Pagpapakita ng pagkakaisa at pagtutulungan kahit ano’ng kulay ka pa,” said Palace Press Officer Usec. Clair Castro. “Sa pagkikita nina Pangulong Marcos Jr. at Mayor Leni Robredo sa Naga City at sa pagkilala sa ambag ni former Senator Manny Pacquiao sa larangan ng sports, ipinamalas ng tatlong lider na kahit naging magkatunggali sila sa nakaraang eleksyon ay hindi ito magiging hadlang sa pagtutulungan at pagse-serbisyo para sa bayan.”
Castro also emphasized that premature politicking must be avoided and noted that when a leader is honest, humble, and free of personal interest, the nation is assured of progress.
Meanwhile, during his visit to Naga City, Marcos also expressed that the present administration is ready to help the local government.