Looking back: P-Noy as a leader

I spent the past few days bingeing on former president Noynoy Aquino’s videos—from his campaign to his proclamation to his interviews with foreign and local media. I think it was my way of letting go, and dealing with the withdrawal symptoms I felt at the end of an exceedingly rare and short era—one of good governance, and of leadership with integrity.

We have so much to thank for having P-Noy as a leader, not only for the booming economy, but more so for redeeming the Philippines from its reputation as the “Sick man of Asia” (which credible international news outlets have attested to). Most of all, I thank P-Noy for waking me up from apathy, and for awakening in me a sense of patriotism that I now actually care about, and am affected by,  the nation’s state and affairs; and for inspiring me, by his acts and accomplishments, into believing that a better Philippines can be a reality.

Some critics say he lacked sympathy. But the thing is, he was not epal. P-Noy didn’t resort to sound bites and empty rhetoric to placate and curry favor with the masses. Neither did he shy away from making difficult decisions, preferring the greater, long-term good, even if it made him appear heartless and drew the people’s ire in the process (e.g., pension hikes). He would not exchange the future of his people just for pogi points. Critics made out these strengths of his to be a weakness. But he remained steadfast. He gained credibility and achieved a level of economic progress for this nation. And for this, he earned my respect.

P-Noy was a doer and an action man who focused on solutions rather than worry about the optics. Sadly, this is a world of optics, which puts much more value to photo-ops, memes and sound bites than to facts, reason and results. His achievements should speak for themselves. Sadly, the public is not that discerning.

Still, the statesman that he is, P-Noy soldiered on through all the criticisms that crossed his path. He chose to look past the immaturity, gullibility and small mindedness of his constituents, and instead gave his best in addressing his nation’s ills to lead the country to progress. My heartfelt thanks and praise for that indomitable spirit of his.

When he assumed the presidency, he said his goal was to leave the country in a better place than where he found it. And P-Noy did just that—and more. He inspired, he did not disappoint, he proved his worth.

So #ThankYouPNoy, for a job well done. But most of all, thank you for being an inspiration. I am in awe of your strength of character: It takes more than an ordinary man to be president of his country and not be blinded by the vast powers that come with the position or be consumed by greed.

P-Noy, as a leader, will always be the poster boy for integrity.

—WILMA DULNUAN, [email protected]