Not by destiny, but by design

It’s a lesson often overlooked in post-election commentary, but one that perhaps offers the most insight into how real change can be won.

- Atty. Ian Vincent Manticajon [e-mail]

I’ve long observed that we are a nation deeply drawn to drama, emotional narratives, and even superstitious notions of fate --believing, perhaps too often, that leadership is preordained and redemption arcs are enough to win elections. Charisma tends to outweigh competence; spectacle often eclipses substance.

This stands in stark contrast to many developed nations where development has been anything but accidental. In South Korea, for example, progress has been guided by long-term planning, technocratic governance, and a deep respect for science and data. One could sense that policy is not shaped by sentimentality or showmanship, but by rigorous study and strategic execution. Infrastructure is not promised merely in slogans, but delivered through budgets, timelines, and accountability. True success, as I recently witnessed, is not rooted in destiny or guesswork, but in design.