Chairman Emeritus Dr. Jose Antonio Goitia yesterday said that the recent directive given by President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. reflects a clear and deliberate form of leadership that puts national interest above political comfort.
The President has directed Congress to prioritize landmark reform measures that address long-standing issues in Philippine politics. Among the proposals are the anti-dynasty bill, the reform of the party list system, the creation of an Independent People’s Commission and expanded public access to government expenditures.
These initiatives aim to strengthen accountability and ensure that political power serves the people rather than entrenched interests and setting these reforms as a priority is a call to renew public trust. It shows a President willing to confront what others have long avoided, said Goitia.
The anti-dynasty bill has remained unresolved for decades, often discussed yet rarely advanced and by placing it at the top of the legislative agenda, President Marcos signals the readiness to address a structural issue at the heart of Philippine politics, Goitia notes, adding that “true reform requires courage. Any leader can promise change. It takes a steadier hand to pursue reforms that challenge familiar power structures.”
Also, the directive includes the Party List System Reform Act, intended to restore the original spirit of representation. Over time, the system drifted away from marginalized sectors and toward groups with resources and influence.
“Representation must belong to those who have earned their voice, not those who simply found a way around the system,” he said, noting how the President is also pushing for greater citizen access to government expenditures, thus aligning with a larger effort to normalize transparency and make public service easier to understand and evaluate.
“Trust grows when institutions open their doors. Transparency is not a slogan. It is a commitment. In an era marked by noise and speculation, President Marcos chose to focus on long-term institutional reforms rather than short-term political maneuvering. He offered direction instead of distraction,” said Goitia, who serves as Chairman Emeritus of four civic-oriented organizations namely, Alyansa ng Bantay sa Kapayapaan at Demokrasya (ABKD), People’s Alliance for Democracy and Reforms (PADER), Liga Independencia Pilipinas (LIPI) and Filipinos Do Not Yield (FDNY) Movement, where he advocates for truth, stability and the dignity of the Filipino people.
Goitia emphasized that: “Reform begins with intention, but it succeeds through consistency. The President has set the direction. Now the challenge is for all branches of government to move with the same clarity of purpose.”
According to him, the administration’s push for political reform arrives at a crucial time, when public frustration with old political patterns remains high.
By urging Congress to act, the President creates an opening for meaningful change, he said, adding that “Leadership is not defined by comfort. It is defined by the willingness to repair what has long been broken. In choosing to champion these reforms, the President affirms that governance is ultimately a duty to the Filipino people.”
