SENATOR-elect Panfilo Lacson on Tuesday said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s kind and non-confrontational leadership style may no longer be enough to push for real reforms, urging him to appoint a tough “enforcer” in his Cabinet to ensure good governance in the administration’s remaining three years.
“Kindness is good, but it’s not always effective,” Lacson said in a radio interview. “When people start mistaking kindness for weakness, that’s when governance begins to suffer.”
The remark follows Marcos’ recent statement expressing openness to reconciling with the Duterte family.
While Lacson praised the President’s willingness to set aside personal and political differences for the nation’s sake, he warned that a purely conciliatory approach may not be sufficient in dealing with challenges within government.
Lacson suggested that Marcos needs someone in his inner circle — a firm but fair enforcer — who can make officials and institutions “toe the line” and follow through on reforms.
“We’re dealing with people of different personalities. Some will take advantage if they think the leader is too soft,” he said. “To lead effectively, you sometimes need someone who can crack the whip when necessary.”
He did not name a potential candidate for the role.
