OPINION
Ed Javier
When A President Begins To Listen
Photo credit: PCO
In a political environment saturated with noise, entitlement, and performance politics, a leader who listens, calibrates, and quietly asserts his authority can stand out.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has recently begun to show signs of that kind of leadership, one grounded in timing rather than theatrics, in posture rather than noise.
The President has made a series of decisions recently that suggest he is regaining control of the narrative and, more importantly, refocusing on the country’s deeper priorities.
Reassessing Online Gaming: A Strategic Pause
This week, President Marcos ordered a thorough study on the proposed ban on online gaming, amid rising concerns about its social impact including a surge in gambling addiction and increasing access among minors.
While some have called for an outright ban, the President opted for a careful policy review, recognizing that the issue goes beyond economics and touches on public health, family welfare, and youth protection.
Pursuing Justice for the Missing Sabungeros
In a long-overdue development, the Palace broke its silence on the unresolved case of the missing sabungeros, stressing the need to identify the suspects behind the killings.
“The President and the current administration are committed to helping the victims attain justice,” the Palace said.
The Palace’s statement offers a measure of relief to families who have waited in silence and serves as a reminder that government must also stand with the unheard, not just the influential.
San Juanico Visit: Symbol of Inclusive Development
The President’s visit to the San Juanico Bridge in Samar and Leyte was more than ceremonial. It sent a message that national leadership must reach beyond Metro Manila.
His presence on the ground reaffirms that inclusive development requires attention, visibility, and empathy.
Quiet Support for Public Health Over Lobbyists
Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa has actively pushed for higher sin taxes, a vaping ban, and stricter rules against tobacco marketing , especially tactics targeting the youth.
By allowing the DOH to lead without political interference, the President signaled quiet but clear support for public health over industry pressure.
Public Responds to Posture, Not Propaganda
According to the latest SWS survey, the President’s net satisfaction rating rose by 10 points.
This improvement reflects a quiet but significant shift in public perception. Citizens reward leadership that feels sincere, visible, and grounded in national interest.
A Point of Caution: Appoint Only Those with Clean Records
As the administration gains momentum, it now faces a crucial test in the upcoming round of key government appointments.
The public is watching closely. Appointing individuals with tainted reputations, unresolved legal issues, or a history of questionable conduct could undo much of the goodwill now being earned.
There is no public benefit in reviving the same political names who failed to inspire confidence before. Appoint only those with clean records.
President Marcos should prioritize substance over flattery. The country has no shortage of professionals, technocrats, and principled leaders who have quietly served and delivered results without baggage.
Many of them have no dynasties behind them. What they offer is integrity and competence. The President should favor merit over maneuvering, and integrity over recycled politics.
Measured Support, Honest Watchdog
This space does not exist to praise blindly or criticize out of habit or noise. It supports good governance when it is shown and calls out failure when necessary.
The decisions outlined above reflect a President who is capable of discernment, restraint, and responsiveness.
This is not about being for or against any one leader, it is about being for the Filipino people.
If we offer criticism from time to time, it is because we want the President to succeed in ways that genuinely serve the national interest, not just political convenience.
The goal is not to tear down, but to help push forward.
Measured support should not be mistaken for passivity, just as principled critique should not be dismissed as partisanship.
We judge with the same lens, whether offering credit or calling out failure.
Leadership Is Listening and Acting Wisely
The presidency is no longer standing still.
There is motion. There is course correction. There is engagement.
From regional inclusion to justice and public health, recent developments reflect a shift toward more responsive and grounded governance.
If President Marcos remains focused, surrounds himself with credible voices, and resists the temptation to recycle discredited figures, the second half of his term could become a turning point in his leadership story.
Sometimes, the leader who truly listens ends up leading best.
Hangad lang po natin ang gobyernong marunong makinig, marunong umaksyon, at marunong kumilala ng tama at tapat na paglilingkod, hindi dahil sa pangalan, kundi dahil sa galing at dangal.
Kung ganito ang direksyong tatahakin ng Pangulo, susuportahan siya ng taumbayan.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has recently begun to show signs of that kind of leadership, one grounded in timing rather than theatrics, in posture rather than noise.
The President has made a series of decisions recently that suggest he is regaining control of the narrative and, more importantly, refocusing on the country’s deeper priorities.
Reassessing Online Gaming: A Strategic Pause
This week, President Marcos ordered a thorough study on the proposed ban on online gaming, amid rising concerns about its social impact including a surge in gambling addiction and increasing access among minors.
While some have called for an outright ban, the President opted for a careful policy review, recognizing that the issue goes beyond economics and touches on public health, family welfare, and youth protection.
Pursuing Justice for the Missing Sabungeros
In a long-overdue development, the Palace broke its silence on the unresolved case of the missing sabungeros, stressing the need to identify the suspects behind the killings.
“The President and the current administration are committed to helping the victims attain justice,” the Palace said.
The Palace’s statement offers a measure of relief to families who have waited in silence and serves as a reminder that government must also stand with the unheard, not just the influential.
San Juanico Visit: Symbol of Inclusive Development
The President’s visit to the San Juanico Bridge in Samar and Leyte was more than ceremonial. It sent a message that national leadership must reach beyond Metro Manila.
His presence on the ground reaffirms that inclusive development requires attention, visibility, and empathy.
Quiet Support for Public Health Over Lobbyists
Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa has actively pushed for higher sin taxes, a vaping ban, and stricter rules against tobacco marketing , especially tactics targeting the youth.
By allowing the DOH to lead without political interference, the President signaled quiet but clear support for public health over industry pressure.
Public Responds to Posture, Not Propaganda
According to the latest SWS survey, the President’s net satisfaction rating rose by 10 points.
This improvement reflects a quiet but significant shift in public perception. Citizens reward leadership that feels sincere, visible, and grounded in national interest.
A Point of Caution: Appoint Only Those with Clean Records
As the administration gains momentum, it now faces a crucial test in the upcoming round of key government appointments.
The public is watching closely. Appointing individuals with tainted reputations, unresolved legal issues, or a history of questionable conduct could undo much of the goodwill now being earned.
There is no public benefit in reviving the same political names who failed to inspire confidence before. Appoint only those with clean records.
President Marcos should prioritize substance over flattery. The country has no shortage of professionals, technocrats, and principled leaders who have quietly served and delivered results without baggage.
Many of them have no dynasties behind them. What they offer is integrity and competence. The President should favor merit over maneuvering, and integrity over recycled politics.
Measured Support, Honest Watchdog
This space does not exist to praise blindly or criticize out of habit or noise. It supports good governance when it is shown and calls out failure when necessary.
The decisions outlined above reflect a President who is capable of discernment, restraint, and responsiveness.
This is not about being for or against any one leader, it is about being for the Filipino people.
If we offer criticism from time to time, it is because we want the President to succeed in ways that genuinely serve the national interest, not just political convenience.
The goal is not to tear down, but to help push forward.
Measured support should not be mistaken for passivity, just as principled critique should not be dismissed as partisanship.
We judge with the same lens, whether offering credit or calling out failure.
Leadership Is Listening and Acting Wisely
The presidency is no longer standing still.
There is motion. There is course correction. There is engagement.
From regional inclusion to justice and public health, recent developments reflect a shift toward more responsive and grounded governance.
If President Marcos remains focused, surrounds himself with credible voices, and resists the temptation to recycle discredited figures, the second half of his term could become a turning point in his leadership story.
Sometimes, the leader who truly listens ends up leading best.
Hangad lang po natin ang gobyernong marunong makinig, marunong umaksyon, at marunong kumilala ng tama at tapat na paglilingkod, hindi dahil sa pangalan, kundi dahil sa galing at dangal.
Kung ganito ang direksyong tatahakin ng Pangulo, susuportahan siya ng taumbayan.
Jul 18, 2025
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