Why not Boying for president?

“The true measure of a leader is not the power he holds, but his courage to uphold justice — even when it means holding friends and allies accountable.”

What began as a discussion on environmental cooperation between the Natural Resources Development Corporation (NRDC) and the Million Trees Foundation Inc. evolved into a conversation about the future of the Philippines.

During my recent meeting with NRDC president and CEO Judge Benjamin D. Turgano, our conversation turned to corruption, public accountability and the leadership our country needs as the 2028 presidential elections approach.

Interestingly, Turgano was among those considered for the Ombudsman post in 2025.

A member of the Alpha Phi Beta fraternity, Turgano expressed respect and admiration for Ombudsman Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla for his willingness to hold former House Speaker Martin Romualdez, a fellow member of Upsilon Sigma Phi, to account.

Coming from a former competitor, Turgano’s acknowledgment carries particular significance.

The controversy involving Remulla and Romualdez raises a fundamental question. How many public officials are prepared to place justice above personal relationships?

In street language, it takes balls, courage and love for country.

The allegations against Romualdez involving billions in public funds test the country’s commitment to accountability. Political power, personal friendships and fraternity ties must never stand in the way of justice. While the presumption of innocence remains paramount, no public official should be beyond the reach of the law.

Meanwhile, Remulla has received favorable ratings in surveys conducted by the RP-Mission and Development Foundation Inc.

In its July 2026 nationwide Boses ng Bayan survey, Remulla reportedly registered a 90.3-percent Index of Governance rating, following an 89.7-percent composite score in April.

The April survey separately reported 90.2-percent performance and 89.3-percent trust ratings for Remulla.

In my recent column, “PHL, In Search of a New Messianic Leader?,” I raised the question of whether the country could find leaders who possess moral courage, integrity and a genuine commitment to public service.

That question becomes increasingly relevant as Filipinos examine possible national leaders ahead of 2028.

Remulla’s experience as governor, representative, Justice secretary and Ombudsman provides a substantial public record for examination.

Yet the presidency demands more than prosecutorial determination — economic leadership, diplomacy, national security and the ability to unite Filipinos are equally indispensable.

Questions about political impartiality and the Ombudsman’s constitutional independence must likewise be addressed.

There is also the question of eligibility. Can a sitting Ombudsman legally pursue the presidency in 2028? That issue deserves authoritative constitutional examination.

There is no need to presume that Remulla harbors presidential ambitions. The question is whether his public performance might eventually inspire a genuine call for him to seek higher office.

As Judge Turgano and I reflected on the country’s future, I recalled President Fidel V. Ramos’ philosophy of Unity, Solidarity and Teamwork.

But unity cannot excuse corruption. Solidarity cannot shield wrongdoing. And loyalty to a fraternity must never supersede loyalty to the Constitution.

Ultimately, environmental stewardship and good governance share a common imperative: responsibility to future generations.

So, why not Boying Remulla for President?

The question deserves examination, not premature conclusions. The Philippines needs leaders whose public service can withstand scrutiny, institutions strong enough to ensure accountability and citizens empowered to determine their country’s future through informed democratic choice.