PBBM emphasizes importance of genuine public service, critical thinking in Phl politics

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said that political ambitions should be driven by a genuine desire to help the Filipino people, not by personal gain or partisan interests.

In his Vlog No. 255 posted on his official YouTube Channel on Sunday, Marcos Jr. emphasized the importance of public service and critical thinking in Philippine politics.

Marcos Jr. made these remarks in response to a letter he received from Erica, a humanities student who expressed her interest in Philippine politics and history.

The Office of the President usually receives letters from "Bahay Ugnayan," ranging from politics, rice prices, and the jeepney modernization program, among other national issues.

Marcos Jr's remarks also coincided with the 38th anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution, which ousted his father, the late President Ferdinand Marcos Sr., from his seat of power, forcing the family to flee from Malacañang.

"Politics should be in the service of the people," Marcos Jr. said. "If we engage in politics because we want to help, then we are on the right track," he added.

Marcos Jr. also highlighted the crucial role of historical awareness and critical thinking in navigating the current political landscape. He acknowledged the challenges posed by the spread of misinformation and urged Filipinos to engage in comprehensive information gathering.

"Your interest in history is very, very important because we have much to learn from history," Marcos Jr. said.

"The problem now with the technology that we have is it's really hard to distinguish what's fake news from what's true; it's really up to you. Don't just read one thing. Read everything," Marcos Jr. added.

He further emphasized the importance of independent judgment, drawing inspiration from his grandmother's advice to "read everything and discern what's good and what's not right."

"Politics is essentially about the human condition. It is about an ideology that you hold dear, a principle that you will not compromise so that you can help the people, so you can be of service to the people, not to yourself, not to your party, not to your family, but for the people," Marcos Jr. said.