(PNA/Manila Bulletin file photos)
A lunch at Bahay Pangulo was the opportunity for an exclusive interview with President Bongbong Marcos (PBBM). The relaxed atmosphere led to lively conversation about plans “beyond-SONA” and beyond-the-statesman image.
I forewarned him that my intent was to offer our Manila Bulletin readers a more personal glimpse into his life, and what his one year in office has been like. In response, he arched one eyebrow, which I conveniently ignored.
It’s been observed that since he assumed office, there’s been dignity and decorum that have been established as benchmarks of what we can expect from his administration. His frequent state visits and trips abroad have maintained these exacting standards, and they’ve been instrumental in casting our nation in a new, enhanced light.
But detractors would comment that this is more about style and image, questioning the substance and accomplishments of his first year. We would touch on this, and numerous other topics in the free-wheeling discussion. If there’s one statement to highlight, it would be how he said, “After one year, it’s time to really buckle down, no more Mr. Nice Guy.”
In response to a question about how he would grade his first year, our President was previously tough on himself, and disarmingly said that he would grade himself an “Incomplete”.
“I was referring specifically to my stint as Department of Agriculture Secretary. The value chain we were trying to establish, the timetable that was affected by the global situation - it’s all added up to how there’s still so much to do in the agricultural sector - and I’m the first to admit that.”
As concurrent Agriculture Secretary, the President elaborates: “Just recently, the DA had a meeting with the rice industry, and we discussed the effects of El Niño, and it looks like our supply is secure in the months to come. Hopefully, no need to import, but we will also be pragmatic as the need arises.”
Talented youth
Speaking of the youth, PBBM talks about talent in the agriculture sector: “I’m very encouraged by the great talent in Agriculture that we have at UP Los Baños and other agri universities. If it’s about addressing climate change, adapting new technology, and R&D, it’s the younger people pushing this forward—the ones optimizing and modernizing production, improving yields. And if the private sector will get behind this, help fund the scaling, and bringing to market, that all this R&D requires… “And we both smile, thinking of the what-could-be, how important this all is for both food security and nutrition.
On sustainability
We shift to his second State of the Nation Address (SONA) and the strong statements made to guide future programs. I’ve spoken to a few city and town mayors who were encouraged by the President’s message on Sustainability and the circular economy.
I ask if there are specific departments he expects to champion these concepts, and he corrects me: “It’s everyone, not just the DENR or DOT, it’s should be the DTI, the BOI, all departments and agencies; working together cohesively to make this national policy. I want a timetable for realizing Sustainability goals; creating significant structural and cultural changes, so that circularity is maximized.
“This will benefit everyone, production costs are lowered, we minimize resources needed to produce; and we can’t be thinking short term solutions, or stopgap band-aid remedies. And I’m fully aware that as we set these things in motion, the true benefits may be felt after my term; but so be it, and that’s fine. This is our future we’re talking about.”
‘No longer time for Mr. Nice Guy’
It’s at this point that I ask our President if he’s been so tough on grading himself, what standard will he employ for those in the Cabinet and branches of the government. This has been another criticism thrown his way in the course of Year One; that he’s too kind, doesn’t make the tough decisions, and demand more from the people he’s appointed. He tersely grins: “After a full year … no more Mr. Nice Guy.”
While he’s been consistent projecting coolness and a calm demeanor, he waxes philosophically about the frustrations he’s had to encounter over the last year.
It’s this attitude of how the kneejerk reaction is always ‘no’. How a million reasons for why it can’t be done is the immediate litany of excuses, instead of finding the creative solution. And this is why in the SONA, I particularly mentioned that there are so many brilliant young people in government service today. These are not the ones you’ll see in photographs or heading the agencies. These are the regular staffers, the ones tirelessly committed to public service, with fiery idealism. I don’t want to snuff out their fervor; but want to inspire them to keep the course, and do even more.
Trust the system
“I want them to trust in the system, that there is a rewarding career path based on merit and excellence. It begs the question we often hear about why do Filipinos excel abroad, but can’t replicate that here at home. This has to be corrected!
“I’ve always been a believer of the system over personality. Like when it comes to typhoon and natural disasters, I’m fine showing up; but I don’t want them to think that relief efforts and funds only arrive along with me. The system should work so it’s not just about me; and the assistance will arrive even if I don’t physically show up. This is about how a working system is in place, one that supersedes individuals.”
On healthcare
I mention that nurses who have passed the board exams are being offered a $25,000 signing bonus to work in Switzerland. The President shares a discussion with Health Secretary Ted Herbosa:
“If we can't keep our qualified personnel from seeking greener pastures abroad, the least we can do is work out an arrangement with that country so there’s some exchange program of training. They implicitly recognize the value of the training we give our nurses, so let’s have them sending their candidates for nursing to be taking courses here. Just earlier today, we touched on this with Senator Tammy Duckworth of Illinois.”
The family
On the lighter side, we talk about his three sons. “What’s funny to observe is how given that all three had pretty much the same kind of upbringing, they’re such polar opposites, each with a distinct personality. That puts to shame that whole nature-nurture philosophy!”
“Sandro is his mom, and when you look closer, it’s more his mom,” he said sharing a story of a family photo which elicited comments of ‘Why did you put Sandro in a dress?’ When the truth is, that photo is of Liza as a child.
“Sandro is the sociable one, and he’s into house music. Simon is into the blues, he’s not gregarious, more private, and I see more of me in Simon. Vincent is the ‘bunso’, and as the youngest, has a little of each of his brothers. He’s into surfing.”
World leaders and friends
Asking our President if there’s a particular world leader he feels closest to, he’s quick to say Prime Minister Anwar bin Ibrahim of Malaysia. “Our friendship goes way back, and when he just got out of detention, we got together. One of the nice surprises I discovered is how he’s a real Jose Rizal aficionado; and has even conducted a lecture series on Rizal.”
“The other world leader I’ve become close to is former Prime Minister Tony Blair. I met him through JAZA (Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala). He’s such an astute observer of global politics, has great connections, and is so willing to share.”
The First Lady
My last question was loaded. I preface it by mentioning that he has to admit he had the ‘fama’ of once being a party boy. What was it in Liza that had him turning his back completely on that kind of life.
He was quick to respond.
“Liza was not like any other girl I had ever met. It was in New York, during my mom’s trial, and she was practicing law, and we had a common friend. She’s always been this intriguing, fascinating person for me; and I know she’ll hate me for saying this, but I think I’ve semi-figured her out now.”
I offer him my observation that I’ve always seen her as the yin to his yang – that if he was more about vision and direction, she would be about execution and finding the best way to make it happen.
The President thinks about this, and agrees, saying they do complement each other in a way that inexplicably works, and that he loves how they always have each other’s backs.