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Political stability is key to economic growth, and we as a nation have achieved this in the past 20 years despite a myriad of challenges and natural disasters.


The democratic process is working in the Philippines and has led to vibrant discussions on political and economic reforms. The smooth transition of power last week is an example of how we as a democratic country matured, notwithstanding our political differences.

The Philippine Vice President has traditionally been viewed as a mere backup, a spare tire, to the President. Unlike in the United States where the VP serves as the president of the Senate and presides over the Senate’s daily proceedings, the Philippine Constitution merely suggests a possible role for the second in command: “The Vice-President may be appointed as a member of the Cabinet. Such appointment requires no confirmation” (Art VII, Sec 3 [2]). Aside from this non-binding Cabinet offer, the vice president is likewise mandated to assume the presidency in case of the death, disability, or resignation of the sitting President.

The Philippines will have its 17th president this week when President Rodrigo Duterte ends his term on Friday. President-elect Ferdinand Marcos Jr. will take over the reins of power on the same day, and I believe the event will be one of the smoothest transitions in our history.