While I find the suggestion of a lawmaker for a snap election to be ludicrous and a mere ‘pabida’ or desperate attempt to bring attention to himself, I share the sentiment that our country may need a clean slate of leaders.
This, however, should not happen through a snap election, but in regular polls, when we, voters, can finally reject the old, traditional politicians and instead choose fresh, capable leaders, or those who just won their first terms in the midterm polls in 2025 who represent a new breed of public servants
Time and again, our country has elected presidents from entrenched political dynasties or lifelong politicians, and look where that has gotten us.
Thanks to President Bongbong Marcos, Jr., who went against all odds when he expose massive anomalies in flood control projects, possibly the biggest case of government fund misuse in Philippine history.
In the midst of it all, business tycoon Ramon S. Ang, the man behind the phenomenal success of the San Miguel Corporation (SMC) and the New NAIA Infra Corp. (NNIC) which is now transforming our premier airport terminals into world-class gateway, has volunteered to undertake measures to help solve the country’s flooding problem, at no cost to the people or government.
Through SMC’s “Better Rivers PH” program, Ang’s team has removed over 8 million tons of silt and waste from 156 kilometers of rivers across Luzon — including the Pasig, Tullahan, and San Juan Rivers — and continues cleanup operations in Laguna and Navotas City.
His pronouncements which he coupled with swift action made me hope and I’m sure many did too, that Ang, better known as “RSA,” would consider throwing his hat into the political ring in due time.
He represents exactly what the Philippines needs: a leader who builds instead of steals, a man of proven management, discipline, and integrity.
Many billionaire business tycoons have proven their worth as leaders of their respective countries.
Just days ago, Andrej Babiš won, for the third time around, as Prime Minister of the Czech Republic. He previously served as Minister of Finance and Deputy Prime Minister from 2014 to 2017.
In February 2024, his net worth was estimated to be approximately $3.5 billion according to Forbes, having made most of his fortune as the founder and owner of Agrofert, one of the country’s largest holding companies.
Aside from agriculture investments, he also acquired a large empire of media companies that include the country’s two biggest newspapers, a television company and a radio station.
In Italy, there’s Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi. He’s the longest-serving prime minister, parlayed his success in construction and media — including ownership of AC Milan — into political leadership.
Saad Hariri, Lebanon’s former prime minister, grew his family’s company, Saudi Oger, into a telecom and real estate powerhouse.
Piñera Sebastián, President of Chile from 2018-2022, had an estimated fortune worth $2.4 billion as of March 2010, still according to Forbes. The Harvard-educated Sebastián obtained representation rights for Visa and MasterCard in Chile and created Bancard S.A., bringing credit cards to the country. He also owns a television channel, a stake in Chile’s most successful soccer club and a large stake in the country’s national airline.
And then of course, there is US President Donald Trump, a billionaire businessman before he threw his hat into the political ring. He was president of his family’s real estate business, which he renamed, Trump Organization, and began acquiring and building skyscrapers, hotels, casinos and golf courses apart from many side ventures.
Here at home, RSA stands among the country’s most accomplished industrialists.
He serves as President and CEO of Top Frontier Investment Holdings, Inc., the largest shareholder of SMC; Chairman and CEO of SMC itself; Chairman of Cyber Bay Corporation and Eagle Cement Corporation; and sits on the board of Metro Pacific.
SMC’s investments span across key industries — Petron Corporation, Manila North Harbor Port, Inc., Bank of Commerce, Northern Cement Corporation, SMC Asia Car Distributors Corporation, and Delta Djakarta — reflecting his broad vision for national growth.
For years, RSA has quietly influenced politics as a kingmaker — backing leaders and policies that promote progress. But perhaps it’s time for him to become the king himself — to lead the nation rather than just empower its leaders.
Who knows? RSA might just be the decisive, competent, and uncorrupted leader the Philippines has long been waiting for.
DIRECT HIT welcomes comments, suggestions, and feedback. Email: itchiecabayan@yahoo.com or text 0917-3132168.
