OPINION
Ed Javier
President Marcos Was Right To Reject Impeachment Distraction
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In a political landscape often marked by heated rhetoric and divisive actions, President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr.'s recent pronouncement against filing an impeachment complaint against Vice President Sara Duterte stands out as an act of political astuteness and gentlemanly decorum.

Speaking to the press, Marcos revealed that he had privately urged Congress to abandon any plans for impeachment, saying: “This is not important. This does not make a difference to even one single Filipino life. So why waste time on it?”

We agree with the President: an impeachment complaint against the Vice President will not improve a single Filipino life. By choosing the high road, Marcos reaffirmed the value of civility and focus in leadership.

His choice to rise above political squabbles and prioritize the welfare of ordinary Filipinos over personal or partisan disputes is refreshing and commendable.

The President's decision reflects a wisdom honed over decades of political experience.

Beginning his career as a local official in Ilocos Norte, he grew up witnessing the intricacies of governance under the tutelage of his father, the late Ferdinand Marcos Sr., a political titan known for his strategic maneuvering.

Equally influential was his mother, Imelda Marcos, who mastered the art of political survival and diplomacy.

These influences have clearly shaped Marcos Jr. into a leader who understands the importance of timing, tact, and focus in wielding political power.

The President’s stance on the impeachment issue demonstrates a nuanced understanding of governance: not every battle is worth fighting.

As he aptly put it, an impeachment process would only “tie down” Congress and divert time and energy from more pressing national concerns.

This level-headed approach is a reminder of the often-forgotten principles of civility and prioritization in leadership.

The President's statement also reflects a much-needed return to civility in Philippine politics. At a time when incendiary language and personal attacks have become the norm, the President's call for restraint is a refreshing change.

By labeling the ongoing political tensions between him and the Vice President as “a storm in a teacup,” he de-escalated the situation and redirected attention to more substantive issues.

This is not to say that the tensions between the Marcos and Duterte camps should be ignored. The revelations of alleged threats, including Vice President Duterte's controversial statement about instructing someone to kill Marcos and his family, have shocked the nation.

These are serious allegations that merit thorough investigation. However, the President’s decision to rise above the fray and focus on governance rather than retaliation is a lesson in leadership.

Marcos Jr.’s political acumen is also evident in his ability to discern which battles to fight.

The President has shown his willingness to flex his political muscle on issues of national importance, such as cracking down on Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) and pushing for reforms in the Bureau of Immigration.

But on matters like impeachment, which he views as unproductive, he wisely chooses to step back.Perhaps this focus could be extended to other pressing concerns.

The leadership crisis in PhilHealth, for instance, deserves immediate attention. As the agency responsible for providing healthcare to millions of Filipinos, its effectiveness—or lack thereof—has far-reaching consequences.

The current PhilHealth President, Emmanuel Ledesma, needs to be replaced by a more emphatic, humble, and visionary leader to ensure the agency’s leadership is equipped to address these critical challenges.

In an era when politics is often characterized by division and hostility, Marcos Jr. is demonstrating that leadership requires not only strength but also wisdom, restraint, and a sense of priorities.

His actions remind us that governance is about serving the people, not indulging in personal vendettas or political theatrics.

If the President continues to channel his political capital toward meaningful reforms rather than distractions, he may yet leave a lasting legacy—not just as a leader, but as a statesman who upheld the lost art of political grace.
Ed Javier
Ed Javier is a veteran communicator with over 34 years of professional experience both in the private and public sectors. He is also an entrepreneur, political analyst, newspaper columnist, broadcast and on-line journalist.
Nov 30, 2024
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