Business Matters
All About Hope
by Ramon R. del Rosario Jr.
Published 21 November 2009 in the Business Matters column of the Philippine Daily Inquirer

When asked if I have made my choice for 2010, I answer without hesitation that I certainly have, and of course it is Noynoy Aquino. Most seem to agree with me, and do not question my preference.

At a social gathering a few weeks ago, I was rather surprised when a good friend openly told the group that he was not convinced that Noynoy was the right choice. “What, you are not for Noynoy!” asked one in the group. “Who are you for?” My friend quickly clarified that he did not say he was not for Noynoy, only that he was not yet convinced. He had not made up his mind. His concern, he said, is the lack of concrete accomplishments that can back up Noynoy’s candidacy.

For my friend’s benefit and whoever else may be interested, allow me to share with you the considerations that have led me to my choice.

I began with a simple assessment of where our country is and where I would like it to go. My personal view is straightforward: I am sick and tired of a president who has developed and mastered the science of doing-what-I-damn-please-and-getting-away-with-it. I refuse to accept the view that we are a hopelessly corrupt society. I insist that we do not deserve to be perennially singled out as an extremely corrupt nation that is getting even more corrupt.

We must reject and vigorously fight corruption because it is a social evil that contributes greatly to poverty. Corruption causes poverty not only because it diverts already meager resources from development and social programs that ought to benefit the poor, but also because it discourages investments that create jobs. If we are to reduce poverty and improve the lives of our people, we must fight corruption. And to do this, we must have leadership that is honest, leadership that we can trust.

This is why the first qualities I seek from our next president are the credibility and moral ascendancy to lead our country back to the path of a just society, where notions of right and wrong matter, where corruption is vigorously rejected, where crime does not pay.

Do I best find these qualities in Joseph Estrada? In Manny Villar? In Gilbert Teodoro? Or in Noynoy? Each can make his own choice. I choose Noynoy.

I see Noynoy as a man of principle with solid moral foundations. In his years of public service, he has consistently conducted himself with dignity and integrity. He lives a simple lifestyle. He manifests no lust for the trappings of wealth or power. He is not tainted by corruption. And, of course, he carries the almost unimaginable legacy of a mother and a father who are both modern-day heroes, whose lives were marked by extraordinary patriotism, unquestioned integrity, and a passionate love for their fellow men. Noynoy’s character, I believe, like that of his sisters, has been molded by the lives his parents lived and the examples they set, and he and his sisters now give strength to each other as they pursue lives that exemplify the values their parents stood for: love of God, country and their fellow men.

Honesty. Love of God and country. Well-grounded moral principles. These are the basic weapons that Noynoy must wield as he tries to lead our country’s fight against corruption as a way of life. Are these enough of an arsenal? Can he provide the leadership that this great battle between good and evil will demand?

Fortunately, the answer is readily evident. Recall how the 2010 presidential election was looking before August. No candidate created great excitement. No one rated above the mid-20s in the surveys. Citizens groups were hard put to mobilize and generate any enthusiasm. And then came the passing of our beloved President Cory Aquino on Aug. 1, followed by the massive outpouring of love by a grateful Filipino nation at her wake and funeral, and then the very timely and selfless act of Mar Roxas endorsing Noynoy’s candidacy—and the entire game changed overnight.

Noynoy will probably be the first to admit that it is neither his wealth nor his personality nor his legislative record that is creating all the excitement. It is what he stands for. It is about hope. Hope for a government that will sincerely fight corruption. Hope for a government that will wage an effective battle against poverty through vastly improved education and health care. Hope for a credible, righteous and effective leadership that will restore our country’s reputation and standing in the community of nations. Hope for a leadership that will help us regain our self-respect and our pride in being Filipinos. Hope for a better life and a brighter future for ourselves and our children.

Only Noynoy is providing the inspirational leadership that is re-igniting all these hopes. That is why citizens’ groups of all ages and persuasions are sprouting up in support of his candidacy. That is why outstanding academics and professionals have volunteered their services as his council of advisers in helping consolidate his platform of government. That is why he is the runaway choice in one national survey after another.

Because Noynoy gives us hope.

Ramon R. del Rosario Jr. is the chairman of the Makati Business Club. Email: rrdelrosario@hotmail.com.