Time is running out

Christmas is just around the bend. This is probably the best time to sit back and relax, take a breather from all our problems. The political season will soon begin. 2003 is crunch time!

The Philippines, no doubt, is being weighed down by a plague of P’s – population, poverty, pollution and too-much politics that leads to corruption. These problems are compounded by the impending war of the US with Iraq, the potential rise of global oil prices because of the war, currency devaluation, regional economic instability, and the like. These difficulties, which have been with us for decades, are adding up to what we are today, and are slowly thinning out our chances at carving a niche in the international community.

Fact of the matter is, the country is treading on very thin ice. One wrong move, one sudden shift in weight, and we will find ourselves immersed in very icy waters. There are some pessimists who say that if the Philippines continues in its present course, in 10 years, we might go the way of Columbia, or even worse, Somalia, or a mix of both. Most of Columbia, as we all know, is practically living off on profits from the illegal drug trade. Somalia has become a non-country – without a government – entangled in ever-brooding gang infightings and clan wars.

The present administration is right now at the forefront of ever more dealing with the country’s problems. In a private lunch with the president after her speech at the joint foreign chambers of commerce luncheon, Max and I shared our thoughts that perhaps she should use the remaining 500 days or so of this term to do what she thinks is best without looking at 2004. To do this, she has to be a no-nonsense, no-frills, cut-the-smiles leader who will use more of the stick than the carrot. As Max has said to me, which we have imparted to her, "It is now, more than ever, better to be feared than be loved." Because, at the end of the day, whatsoever the president does anyway will either validate her position or not. Win or lose, she must set her sights firmly on this objective. This may be her defining moment.

Strong leadership, made even stronger by a consistent display of political will, is what this country needs. I have said it before, and I will say it again: 2004 is a very critical time for our people. A leader has to be no less than drastic in his approach, decisive in his moves, and exacting in his demands. The maxim "Desperate times call for desperate measures" is needed now more than ever. It is time for the government to put on its iron glove and not hesitate to get rid of anyone or anything who will stand in the way of setting the country in the right course.

However, we have yet to hear a political party support a candidate who promises to beat the living daylights out of us if we cross the law. Filipinos have been known to base their decision more on emotions, popularity and personality. Others vote for the sheer delight of seeing an opponent lose, while another because they are left with no other choice.

We cannot go on looking at the presidency as if it were a Ms. Congeniality contest. I strongly hold that the presidency is a destiny, and the president is a product of his time. The times call for a tough leader. As such, the government and political parties must choose their standard bearers well. The choice for an aspirant must begin with them. They have to give the people competent choices, better options. On our part, we need to choose carefully and wisely because our choice in 2004 would ultimately decide where this country would be going. The fate of this country literally lies in the choice of a right leader. True, we need a lot of bayanis, and Bayani Fernando is a fine example of what a good leader should be: no-nonsense, no-frills, goes out there to do his job regardless of the criticisms that are thrown his way. He just steps out in the cold and does it.

Bottom line is: whether it’s going to be PGMA, or Roco, or Lacson, the one who will sit must be strong enough, exacting enough, and decisive enough to lead 83 million Filipinos. I have no doubt people will rally behind this kind of leadership.

The day of reckoning will soon come. At the end of the day, our choice will determine where this country will be heading in the next decade. This could perhaps be the last remaining chance to choose wisely for that strong leadership. Filipinos will have to decide their fate because time is indeed running out.

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I listened to PGMA’s speech at the joint foreign chambers of commerce luncheon held at the Shangri-la last Friday. She presented her medium term projects, an 8-point plan that covers small- and medium-scale businesses to tourism. That day, a lot of foreign businessmen confided to me they’re still hoping for a lot of dramatic changes that will come from the national leadership in the coming year.

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Max and I will attend the 10th anniversary of the International Press Institute in Vienna this week. I’ve been nominated to be a member of this prestigious group. Perhaps, this would be a great opportunity to gather fresh insights about the Philippines from the perspective of our colleagues abroad.

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My e-mail: [email protected]