BBM needs to step up

THE CORNER ORACLE

- ANDREW J. MASIGAN

I've been pleasantly surprised by the performance of President Bongbong Marcos over the last two years. I've said this several times in previous articles.

In particular, I am satisfied with the manner by which he is handling our foreign policy and our territorial dispute with China; in his seriousness to transform the economy from one that is consumption-led to one driven by investments; and for not standing in the way of exposing and reversing the toxic legacies of the Duterte administration. These include POGOs, the drug war and alleged drug smuggling, among others.

Yet, I find myself wanting. Amid the country's many challenges, I feel the country is lacking in direction.

Let us not lose sight of the traits that make a good leader. A good leader clearly defines his goals and ambitions - the more audacious, the better. He provides the path forward towards achieving these ambitions. He drives projects and programs by closely monitoring his Cabinet and by clearing any and all roadblocks with strength and resolve. He inspires the stakeholders and rallies them to cooperate. I find these leadership traits absent from President Marcos.

Sure, he launched the "Bagong Pilipinas" campaign in July 2023. But it was more a political schtick than anything else. He doesn't even speak about it anymore. Nor, surprise, there are more failures than successes in the "Bagong Pilipinas" program. Let's recount them.

• In improving anti-corruption and transparency in governance. There has been no palpable change on this front. It is business as usual for most government officials and their rackets.