Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos, Jr. finally took leadership of the country when he was sworn in a simple rite at noon on June 30. He took over from President Rodrigo R. Duterte who was visibly more than excited to turn over the reins of the government to his younger and vibrant successor.
He probably breathed a sigh of relief that finally, his term is over and that he will no longer bear the burden of dealing with the various problems that beset the nation. He knows all too well that the Philippines is far from being what it should be despite his efforts. Yet, he is aware he is turning over the presidency to a man who could transform this country into an ideal and make the lives of millions worthwhile.
Duterte is not mistaken. Marcos Jr. was voted into office by a majority vote, a first in any election. The trust reposed on him by the Filipino people is unparalleled.
Despite the criticisms and bad publicity made against him, he was overwhelmingly chosen by the electorate to lead them. And, upon his assumption into office, there is much expectation of what he must do to uplift the standard of living of each and all Filipinos.
The portent of the good things to come under the second Marcos administration is clear and unmistakable. Even the opposition thinks so. Together with the President’s party-mates, they are unanimous in saying that Marcos Jr. is right on track when he selected the best and the brightest individuals as members of his Cabinet. He is off and running upon assuming the Office of the President.
In fact, as per the latest survey, there is a positive response that the lives of everyone living in the Philippines will improve under the leadership of Marcos Jr.
However, the expectations must be tempered. The country remains embedded with problems wrought by events beyond the control of the government.
For instance, the Philippines remains under the grip of the Covid-19 pandemic. As to when it will end, nobody knows.
The price of oil is skyrocketing every day that ordinary motorists can no longer afford to drive cars. Consequently, the prices of basic commodities are on the rise and many are going sick and hungry. Graft and corruption is deeply ingrained and the drug menace still lurks.
Still, in his acceptance speech, the President remains defiant. He looks forward to a better Philippines under his rule. He has every reason to be optimistic. Notwithstanding the gargantuan task ahead, there is reason to hope for the best. He can count on the people to wait for what he promised to give them, for he is aware that their resilience to withstand any form of adversity is exemplary. Their best virtue is patience. Filipinos are inherently good followers. They will obey and wait so long as it is within reasonable limits. Hopefully, their waiting will not be that long.
All must understand, though, that the success of the Marcos administration will not totally depend on the policies that the President and his Cabinet will implement. Neither will it be on what they shall or shall not execute in the form of governance. Instead, it will depend on how each and everyone concerned will abide with what we aspire to achieve.
As the late President John F. Kennedy said during his own inaugural speech: “Ask not what your country can do for you, but ask what you can do for your country.”
We wish President Marcos Jr. the best. As he journeys in rough waters and plots the future of the Philippines, we hope and pray that his plans, aspirations, and goals will succeed.
We are one with him in finding ways and means to solve the ills that beset the country and are in solidum with him in uplifting the lives of every Filipino.
Good luck, Mr. President and God bless you.
April 25, 2024
