08/11/2025
When Decency Becomes a Weakness
By - One Ken
Bashing the very first person — President Bongbong Marcos — to say “It’s enough” and “Mahiya naman kayo”? The same leader who chose democracy and due process over pride and vengeance? What’s wrong with us, really?
We have long cried for a leader who listens, who governs with reason instead of rage, a disciplined, decent leader. But the moment we get one who refuses to shout, we call him weak. It’s as if the Filipino psyche has grown addicted to outrage — mistaking noise for strength, and civility for weakness. Have we become so addicted to noise that we can no longer recognize calm leadership when we see it?
BBM’s call for restraint and respect wasn’t just about politics; it was a reflection of principle. Amid the sea of grandstanding and self-righteous noise, he stood for process and order. He reminded everyone that leadership isn’t about who shouts the loudest, but who stays grounded when emotions run high.
Sadly, many have allowed social media echo chambers to shape their judgment. Narratives are twisted, and intentions are questioned before they’re even understood. The public discourse has become a battleground of hashtags, where decency is dismissed and division is celebrated.
The President’s decision to uphold democracy, even when it’s inconvenient or unpopular, should not be ridiculed — it should be respected. Because in times like these, the true test of leadership isn’t how loud you can fight, but how firmly you can stand in silence for what’s right.
So maybe the real question isn’t “What’s wrong with the President?”
Maybe it’s time we ask, what’s wrong with us, the people?