Two years before the 2028 polls, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. wants a “nation builder” to succeed him, according to Palace Press Officer Claire Castro.
Castro said the President is looking for a leader with genuine love for country, but stressed that love alone is not enough.
“Dapat ay may kakayahan o competence na mamuno, may talino at may kapasidad na ayusin ang problema sa edukasyon para magkaroon ng sapat na kaalaman at skills ang ating mga kababayan,” according to her.
She added that Marcos Jr. believes the country needs a leader who will push structural reforms to make the Philippines more investment-friendly, and improve education, health care, and social services.
The Palace said future leadership must go beyond rhetoric and focus on integrity, real service, and nation-building.
“May puso at talino, may competence, [at] may tunay na pagmamahal sa bayan at higit sa lahat, hindi mapagpanggap,” Castro said, warning that without these qualities, government gains could go to waste.
Speaking at the ASEAN Editors and Economic Opinion Leaders Forum in Makati City, Marcos also said he prefers a successor who understands economics and focuses on productivity, job creation, keeping inflation low, and ensuring stable food supply.IMT
