This nation needs another Ramon Magsaysay

There is none among the 17 presidents we had who has been as beloved and as respected as Ramon Magsaysay (RM), the seventh president.

- Atty. Josephus B. Jimenez [e-mail]

From Aguinaldo to BBM, only RM, as he was fondly called, has remained unsullied by any taint of misbehavior, dishonesty, and corruption.He was just a mechanic, a guerilla leader, and a man of the masses. He was only president from 1954 to 1957. But he opened Malacañang to the people. He walked around the cities and the provinces without bodyguards. He himself drove the presidential car. He never allowed his family members to use official vehicles. The women adored him, the men respected him, the youth idolized him. The older folks considered him a blessing from God. But we lost him at the height of his popularity.

Exactly 69 years ago today on March 16, 1957, RM was the commencement speaker in three universities: University of Visayas, University of San Carlos and Southwestern University. RM was conferred by the UV, owned and managed by the Gullas family led by Don Vicente Gullas, Josefina Rivera Gullas, Don Paulino Gullas, and the sons of Don Vicente, Eduardo (future governor, congressman, and Talisay City mayor) and Jose (future congressman and head of The FREEMAN), the degree of Doctorate of Laws, Honoris Causa after he delivered his commencement address. My late father was one of the graduates.