I am 75 years old. Many of my contemporaries have passed on. Soon, I too will join them. At this stage of life, one’s concerns become simpler, but also more urgent. We think less about ourselves and more about what we leave behind.
So let us ask honestly: Is this the best situation we are leaving our children and grandchildren?
I have six children and nine grandchildren. I look at them and wonder, what kind of nation will they inherit? What kind of leadership? What kind of moral climate? What kind of institutions?
This is not a partisan question. It is a generational one.
A SINCERE WISH FOR BETTER LEADERSHIP
I sincerely wish and pray that our leaders, particularly our President, would do better. I truly do. The success of any administration is the success of the nation. When a president succeeds in strengthening institutions, curbing corruption, and uniting the country, we all benefit. When a president fails, the damage ripples far beyond a single term.
But if we are honest with ourselves, the situation does not look bright.
CORRUPTION, IMPUNITY, AND SELECTIVE JUSTICE
We are witnessing corruption at levels once thought unimaginable and worse, a culture of impunity. Truth-tellers are persecuted while the powerful are shielded. Government institutions appear weaponized against perceived enemies and conveniently restrained when allies are involved. Accountability seems selective. Justice appears negotiable.
Political outrage rises and falls depending on personalities. Silence becomes strategic. Loyalty replaces principle.
In the halls of oversight, even the respected Senate Blue Ribbon Committee appears unable to move beyond catching small fish while the larger ones swim freely. When eighteen marines had the courage to speak about delivering luggage reportedly filled with millions now face harassment, while those they implicated remain untouched, the message sent to the nation is chilling: speak up at your own risk.
THE LESSONS WE TEACH THE YOUNG
What lesson does this teach our young?
That integrity is dangerous?
That power protects itself?
That institutions bend?
That silence is safer than truth?
If that is the lesson, then we must ask again: Is this the best we can be?
A CALL TO CONSCIENCE
At my age, I do not seek position, power, or favor. I seek only honesty in public life and dignity in national leadership. I seek institutions strong enough to make the corrupt accountable and protect the innocent regardless of surname, alliance, or influence.
This is not a call for anger. It is a call for conscience.
To our leaders: examine your hearts. Ask yourselves not what is politically convenient, but what is morally defensible. Ask yourselves not how history will judge your enemies, but how it will judge you. Ask yourselves whether you are building a country your own children and grandchildren will be proud to inherit.
Leadership is temporary. Legacy is permanent.
THE LEGACY WE LEAVE BEHIND
We, the older generation, will soon pass from the scene. The Philippines will remain. The question is whether it will be stronger or weaker because of the choices made today.
May future leaders learn from the mistakes of their predecessors so they may serve well with wisdom, humility, courage, and integrity.
Is this the best we can be?
If the honest answer is no, then there is still time, but not much, to choose differently.
May God bless our country and people!
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