Hope and integrity: What we need to hear in the President’s Christmas message
The holiday season presents a unique and powerful platform, a moment when the words of President Marcos can resonate deeply with every Filipino, both at home and abroad. My earnest plea is for his Christmas message to be a beacon of genuine hope—a clarion call that reminds us of the inherent strength and resilience of our people.
I firmly believe that a significant portion of our populace still holds a deep-seated reverence for the aphorism, “Follow the leader.” This sentiment, rooted in our cultural fabric, underscores the profound influence a President wields. Your actions, your words, and your vision carry immense weight. By embodying the characteristics of a good citizen, a leader who prioritizes integrity, compassion, and the common good, you have the unparalleled opportunity to inspire a tide of positive change that will ripple through our society.
Imagine the impact, Mr. President, if your Christmas message painted a vivid picture of a Philippines where public service is synonymous with unwavering honesty. The pervasive shadow of corruption has, for too long, eroded our trust and siphoned away the resources that rightfully belong to our citizens. To hear a definitive commitment, a solemn promise that this scourge would become a relic of the past, would be a profound and deeply welcomed assurance.
Furthermore, the hard-earned taxes that Filipinos diligently contribute are their investment in our nation’s future. It is imperative that they feel confident that these funds are being utilized wisely and ethically, not being shortchanged by the machinations of unscrupulous leaders. Your address could serve as a powerful affirmation that their contributions are valued and will be instrumental in building a stronger, more prosperous Philippines for all.
The challenges we face as a nation are multifaceted, but so is our collective strength. As your countrymen, we are eager to rally behind a leader who can articulate a unifying vision, one that transcends political divides and personal differences. Your Christmas message offers a precious opportunity to bridge these gaps, to foster a sense of shared purpose, and to remind us all that we are one people, bound by a common destiny.
To lead us toward a better Philippines requires not just policy pronouncements but the infusion of hope. It demands a leader who can ignite the optimism that lies dormant within many, a leader who can paint a compelling picture of what we can achieve together. Give us hope, Mr. President, and let us dream together for a better Philippines. This is the gift that your Christmas message can bestow upon our nation at this most significant time of the year.
Let your words be a testament to the belief that a brighter future is within our grasp. Inspire us to believe that diligent work, unwavering honesty, and a collective commitment to progress will indeed lead to a Philippines where life for every citizen is demonstrably better than it is today. This is the hope we yearn for, the hope that can propel us forward.
Your leadership in setting an example of upright citizenship would undoubtedly inspire countless Filipinos, both within our borders and in the diaspora, to emulate your commitment to service and integrity. This is the ripple effect that true leadership can unleash.
We look forward to a Christmas message that not only acknowledges the present but boldly and optimistically charts a course for a revitalized future. Let us dare to dream of a Philippines where corruption is eradicated, where every citizen feels justly served, and where unity propels us toward unprecedented prosperity.
The Christmas season is a time of renewal and a powerful moment for national introspection. May your message reflect this spirit, Mr. President, and inspire us all to work toward the Philippines we deeply believe is possible—a nation that stands as a testament to our enduring hope and resilience.
REGINALD B. TAMAYO,
Marikina City
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