EDITORIAL - The bosses’ servant

Benigno Simeon Cojuangco Aquino III reluctantly sought the presidency with one purpose: to confront the corruption that plagued the chief executive at the time and brought down her successor.

At his inaugural, President Aquino promised that he would serve his “bosses” the people faithfully. He would do away with “wang-wang” – not just the actual sirens for VIPs, including himself, but also the mentality that placed government officials above the people that “public servants” are supposed to serve.

For six years, “P-Noy” pursued his mission with single-minded determination. He set the example, even if there were those even in his official family who failed to follow his lead. He liked to point out that under his watch, a chief justice and an ombudsman seen as impediments to his anti-graft drive were ousted, while his successor and three senators have been held without bail for plunder. His opponents counter that his administration will be remembered for selective justice.

President Aquino used his sustained high approval ratings to get Congress to pass difficult measures. Among these were the excise tax reforms, the Reproductive Health Law, fair competition and anti-trust legislation, liberalized cabotage rules and the kindergarten-to-12 scheme.

Under his watch, the textbook shortage and classroom backlog were addressed. Compensation for public school teachers was improved enough that educators began transferring from private to public schools.

Good governance makes good economics, the Aquino administration stressed. President Aquino is turning over to his successor today an economy with sound macroeconomic fundamentals and rated investment grade. It is Asia’s second fastest growing economy. Rodrigo Duterte himself has acknowledged the economic achievements and has promised to build on the gains.

Duterte is inheriting a nation still plagued by enormous problems – one with gaping income disparities, where 40 percent of the people live below the poverty line, and where 10 million work overseas for lack of opportunities at home. Narrowing the income gap and making growth inclusive are among the most daunting challenges faced by Duterte.

Six years is not a lot of time to implement reforms. President Aquino had his low moments, and he was protective to a fault of officials close to him. Red tape and corruption continue to plague the government, and many services have deteriorated under his watch. But no president is perfect.

Aquino’s predecessor also cited economic stability as an achievement, but among its costs was institutional damage. Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III showed that this need not be the case. He has set the bar higher for the presidency, giving meaning to the term “public servant.”