National unity through the path of economic and social transformation is the key to our country’s ascendance to the pinnacle of global recognition as a world power.

Let us not waste the $14.2 billion (P4 trillion) in investments actualized from Bongbong Marcos’ foreign trips. Data from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) show that a total of $72.2 billion in investments in different stages, which comprise 148 projects, was recorded as of 11 February 2024.

Of these initiatives, 46 projects involving $14.2 billion, or 20 percent of the total pledges, have been “actualized,” meaning these are already operating and/or have completed the process of registration with DTI’s Investment Promotion Agencies, or have commenced implementation.

Japan was identified as the most significant investment country source based on the number of projects. Japan has 21 projects that have been actualized, followed by the United States with 13.

Critical infrastructure projects aimed at enhancing connectivity, mobility, and promoting regional development and bringing economic progress and social transformation throughout the islands are in accord with PBBM’s vision to transform the Philippines into a world power.

The Philippines, considered one of the Southeast Asian countries with the fastest growing economy, even after the Covid-19 pandemic, stands at a crossroads. Its unity is under siege, and the cracks are not just threatening its global stature but obstructing its path to development, peace, security and international recognition.

What is most concerning is the pervasive indifference to these challenges, as if the gravity of the situation has yet to worsen. This looming crisis demands urgent attention, which is why I feel compelled to sound the alarm and draw focus to this critical issue before the consequences become irreversible.

The critical issue cannot be resolved by the International Criminal Court. According to reports from the United States, the ICC is a dying institution.

The family feud can be resolved quickly by and between the two families. I hope ace columnist and lawyer Salvador Panelo will allow Senator Imee Marcos to investigate the arrest of FPRRD.

Senator Imee, being a concerned sister of her brother, simply wants to talk with fellow senators to find a quick way to bring back the former president.

Imee must have been listening to the echo of her late father Ferdinand Sr.’s advice: “This time, kid, it’s time for you to intervene for your brother.”

The feud can be resolved by Ferdinand Sr’s three kids: Imee, Bongbong and Irene. And please, do not underestimate the capabilities of each of the three. Each one is an international figure with the capacity to charter a jet plane to bring former president Rodrigo Duterte back to the Philippines.

Today, I hate to say, our nation is deeply divided, when several months back we were warmly campaigning together for a common cause, supported by the biggest political caravans in the history of this country, and winning together by the widest margin ever in the history of our nation.

The current trend of the debates and arguments is dangerous, as it undermines the Philippines’ potential for progress. Corruption, insecurity, and economic instability are all symptoms of a lack of national unity and collective will.

Humility, equity, justice, and patriotism are the foundations of national unity.

Email: artbesana@gmail.com