SAMMY JULIAN
“DO you know why Mar Roxas is the perfect successor to President Benigno Aquino III,” one close friend asked us.
Two reasons, he said: Roxas has (1) ample government experience and (2) a clean record when it comes to handling government funds.
We cannot help but agree wholeheartedly. The depth of Roxas’ qualifications and integrity proves that he is the perfect leader to take the country to the next level.
There are a lot who call themselves public servants but have not proven themselves to be worthy of public trust.
Insufficiency, lack of knowledge, lack of genuine concern and rampant corruption are just a few of the negative things seen in public officials. Politics is one big circus, and if you get lured with the entertainment that goes with it, the world will be more in political chaos.
But sometimes it is not all about academic intelligence — knowing alone is not enough.
Knowing the situation but not doing anything to fix it is a trait of a traditional politicians; unscrupulous and not worthy. Experience and dedication — people look for a government official with these traits.
But one does not have to go far. Roxas is one prime example.
Consider his attitude or personality: approachable, a good communicator, and a good leader and follower at the same time.
Roxas is not afraid to be led and learn from the common people. We know that he is brave enough to admit when he has erred. He learns from his mistakes and seeks advice on how he can improve his leadership.
Unfortunately, his type is almost into extinction. All we see now are egoistic politicians and not the honest public servants they promised to be.
A former government official once told us that Roxas, a former Transportation and Communications secretary, is “one of the four or five ablest people” he ever met.
With his intellect, values and wonderful calm, he is the best, our friend said without batting an eyelash.
Even some politicians from opposing parties who strongly disagree with him on certain issues share some of that assessment of Roxas’ abilities.
One of the most talented public officials of the past quarter century, he is a first-class intellect, a policy wonk, and has expertise in a wide range of areas.
He is a graduate of the Wharton School of Economics at the University of Pennsylvania.
Well, there are a lot of Wharton graduates, you might say, they are thick on the ground. But a few possess the calm charm and easy manner of the unflappable Roxas.
He has a keen understanding of policy and politics, but he also knows how to manage and get things done in the difficult environments of Congress, the Senate and even Malacañang.
Truly, Roxas can do a good job as president in maintaining the reforms of the current administration./PN
