Worthy
of
Cathedra
by: Hannah Mallorca
“True leadership lies in guiding others to
success. In ensuring that everyone is performing at their
best, doing the work they are pledged to do and doing it well,” Bill
Owens stated when he was asked of what makes a picture-perfect trailblazer.
However, in the real world, there is no such thing as a “perfect leader” because a person who is flawless does not exist – especially in the world of political affairs.
In addition to famous singers, actors, and actresses, being a member of the
government is one of the most complicated job titles that a person can have,
especially if that official is actually the ruler of the country and the owner of
the throne – the president. Besides setting out laws and legislature, he or she
has to maintain an image that is spotless which is worthy of the
respect of the masses.
After the independence of Juan Dela Cruz from his captors, he finally had the
chance to prove to the world that he can stand on his own. He can lead himself without any mishaps. After 11 presidents since the previous colony, he
has experienced the moments of sudden rise and instant downfall.
Out of all the 11 presidents, including the previous four who led the country
despite the forced reign, have we seen the country at its best?
Most importantly, have we seen the ideal president that the Philippines should
have?
Referencing to the words of Bill Owens, being a worthy person of the crown is
a type who encourages the masses to greatness. Generally, Filipinos are
known for their traits of relying on a higher power (not only the country’s leaders, a parent is also possible) instead of working hard on their own. They are
hardworking, but they abuse the “bahala na” attitude wherein they would
lean on a tree and wait for an apple to drop down because of the country’s
abundance – sometimes literally. In addition, the effects of being under the
rule of several colonizers, especially the Spanish and the Americans have
caused the love for the foreign rule to heighten which eventually ended in colonial mentality. Despite the cheerful personas of Filipinos, the most suitable
person for the Philippine throne is a person who is open-minded, firm about
directing his citizens to the path of greatness, and a type of person who is
better at watching from the sidelines and taking everything from there.
From the observations of the writer, Filipinos are not of the type of people who
accept the feeling of being pushed around; it is obvious in common situations
like taking a train ride. When the guard instructs the people to line up in order
to ensure a better access, only a few percentages actually cares and continues
to push one another inside the train. In terms of comparing the former and
present Filipino presidents to one another, the perfect person for the throne is a mixture of Ferdinand Marcos’ capabilities to improve the country, Ramon Magsaysay’s charisma to the masses, Corazon Aquino’s perseverance in reliving the spirit of the people,
and the long patience of Benigno Aquino III. Despite the flaws of the presidents that the country used to have, it is hard to deny
that they have the characteristics in order to lead a country well. Stating the ideal traits is one thing, combining all of the presidents’
positives are another. They would not have stolen the hearts of their fellow Filipinos if they did not acquire any of the characteristics.
To the presidents that were not stated, it does not mean that I do not like them as people. It is just that, I prefer the qualities of the
written. To sum things up, a true man or woman who is worthy of the Cathedra of the Filipinos is not an easy thing to describe,
especially with the catastrophes and the successes that the country has gotten throughout the years. What matters most is that he or
she is a type of person has the capabilities to lead the country in the way of Owen’s description.