EDITORIAL - Legacy mode

It looks like there’s no turning back: President Aquino now believes seeking a second term “is not the right thing to do.” He didn’t change his tune yesterday, as Palace officials reiterated that he was no longer contemplating an extension of his stay in power.

The President issued the statement just weeks after a Pulse Asia survey showed 62 percent of Filipinos opposing a second term for him, with only 38 percent in favor. After the survey results came out, the President said the undecided 18 percent could still change their mind. But 62 is an overwhelming percentage, and it looks like the President has finally decided to listen to the majority of his “bosses.”

Now he’s on legacy mode, reviving his original message: he wants to step down with the nation a better place than when he assumed power. The President’s focus on the straight path or matuwid na daan has been welcomed by business groups and the international community, as reflected in consistently high business confidence and the country’s first-ever investment grade from all the major credit rating agencies. The country has also seen modest improvements in rankings on competitiveness and ease of doing business. Seemingly untouchable top officials have left office in disgrace or are being held without bail for corruption. The peace process is also boosting confidence in Mindanao.

There are deep-rooted problems that will take more than one administration to resolve, but it’s possible to lay the groundwork for lasting reforms. Some problems, such as the weakness of the judicial system and corruption in Congress, need reforms introduced from within by co-equal branches of government. But the executive can help address these problems.

The President has acknowledged that more effort is needed to make economic growth inclusive and reduce poverty. There are other challenges ahead: inadequate infrastructure and energy resources, congestion in seaports and substandard airports. More reforms are needed in all sectors to attract more investments and create meaningful jobs.

With proper focus, a lot can still be done in the 20 months left in the current administration. By the time President Aquino leaves office, there should be enough tangible improvements, and reforms should be hard to reverse.