Multimedia

The robust 8.3 percent economic growth in the first quarter of 2022 is giving presumptive President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. a solid head start. He is not inheriting a weak economy. Rather, he is receiving a strong one—in fact the fastest-growing economy in East Asia—from outgoing President Rodrigo Duterte.

By the time this column comes out, it would have been two days after our people have made their choice and cast their ballots. I am not sure if the winner has been clearly established by now but it seems the perfect opportunity to change from campaign mode to governing mode. Now, we are done with the battle of platforms, the war of words, the conflict in the airwaves and the many, many scuffles on social media. It is not an exaggeration to say that this campaign has been very divisive.

By the time this column sees print, we will already know the early results of the May 9 elections and the front-runners in the presidential, vice-presidential and senatorial races based on the automated tabulation of votes.

While it may take a few more days to have the complete list of the new set of elected government officials, it is time to look back and note the momentous steps taken under the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte.