[Y-SPACE] A true leader is what we need in 2022

by Jerina Andres

Different personalities are eyeing to run on the 2022 election. The real question is, are they worth it?

The national election next year is a reminder for us that we need a true leader—a leader who will serve our country, not puppets, comedians, action stars, and pretenders.

The Philippines is in the midst of a crisis that our current leaders cannot handle as they spit lies and broken promises. In contrast to that, we need a leader who will take his/her words into action, not a leader who constantly curses and mocks his fellow Filipino.

A true leader should have a word of honor. We do not need a pretender who can easily take back his words in a glimpse of his eye. A leader that has a heart for his people, not for his own political agenda. We need a leader who can take criticisms and allow the media to fulfill their duties.

The leader we need will support the talented Filipinos who are representing the country throughout the world, not a leader who will call them names. A true leader will also support the marginalized sector—a leader who can create jobs rather than deprive some sectors.

We need a leader who is not afraid to defend and will remain firm in the Philippine territory, not a leader who will befriend China.

A true leader will go against corrupt officials and will not red-tag the innocent activist.

For the past six years of the current administration, prevalent human rights violations are done where the massive extra-judicial killings happened during the anti-drug campaign, enormous red-tagging issues, and innocent people have been killed.

The current situation of the Philippines now has gone worst because of the mismanagement of the pandemic. This should serve as an eye-opener for us not to let this happen again for the second time.

Serving our country is not a joke nor a playground for people who only wants to run for their personal agenda and power. We need a leader who can stand and serve with humility and integrity for its people.

Filipino voters, it is the right time to take back what is ours. We need to restore the government and return it to the Filipinos. We cannot afford to have another “fake” leader who will lead the country.

Jerina Andres is a Second Year AB- Legal Management Student in Colegio de San Juan de Letran- Manila. She is a consistent Dean’s Lister. She is also the President of Letran Legal Management Society- a recognized student organization of Letran.

YSPACE is a platform open for young writers to contribute their worth-sharing thoughts and stories to the world. It is a space for young people and by the young people which aims to promote a strong sense of empowerment and inspiration to young Filipinos.