President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has sufficient time to implement necessary changes for good governance in his final three years. However, he will need a trusted “bastonero” to ensure that government officials adhere to his standards.
Senator-elect Panfilo Lacson emphasized this on Tuesday, noting that the President’s good intentions in setting aside political differences and being open to reconciling with the Duterte family may be seen by some as a sign of weakness.
“The openness to reconcile with the Duterte family is very typical of PBBM’s character. Yet, his kindness and goodwill in dealing with others are sometimes interpreted by both his allies and adversaries as a weakness in his leadership. Therefore, he may need a strong but well-intentioned ‘bastonero’ in his Cabinet who can ensure that government officials, including members of Congress, adhere to good governance,” he said.
“However, the bastonero cannot be abusive. The bastonero must be strong but well-intentioned,” he added.
Citing his experience as the Philippine National Police (PNP) chief from 1999 to 2001, he referenced diplomat and philosopher Niccolò Machiavelli, stating that he would prefer to be feared than loved if he cannot achieve both, in order to exercise his leadership effectively.
“When I was PNP Chief, I quoted Machiavelli, saying that I’d rather be feared than loved if I cannot be both,” he explained.
On Monday, Lacson expressed his full support for the President’s call to set aside politics now that the elections are over and to focus on nation-building.
“We should set aside politics, which is only relevant during the campaign. Now that campaigning is done, we must work together,” he said.