Abstract

Choosing the Most Qualified Presidential Candidate in the Philippines: A Principle-Based Approach In the search for the next Philippine president, the discussion should move beyond popularity contests and manipulated surveys. A genuine assessment must instead be rooted in principle, integrity, and the long-term well-being of the country. It is vital to evaluate candidates not merely based on charisma or public relations strategies, but through a deeper understanding of leadership, competence, and their capacity to govern in alignment with natural laws—particularly the universal law of balance, systems integrity, and the law of cause and effect. One such evaluative framework can be drawn from the universal formula for solving the problem of free will, which emphasizes three fundamental laws of nature: (1) the law of karma or cause and effect within systems, (2) the law of balance in nature, and (3) the feedback mechanism between internal and external realities. Applying this framework to the Philippine context allows us to examine potential leaders not merely as politicians, but as system stewards responsible for maintaining societal equilibrium. Among the prominent figures whose leadership qualifications can be considered under these criteria is Leni Robredo, former Vice President of the Philippines. Robredo has demonstrated a consistent commitment to transparent governance, inclusive policies, and community-based approaches. Despite limited resources during her vice presidency, she spearheaded pandemic relief programs, livelihood support, and education initiatives—all grounded in system integrity and balance. Her governance aligns with the law of cause and effect: she focused on root causes such as poverty, lack of access to healthcare, and disinformation, and she addressed them with strategic, ethical solutions. Another figure worth considering is Gilbert “Gibo” Teodoro, a former Defense Secretary and bar topnotcher. With his academic excellence, technocratic mindset, and policy experience, Teodoro represents the kind of systems thinker who understands national defense, strategic planning, and institutional reforms. He fits the criteria of someone capable of creating and maintaining a defect-free system—a crucial aspect of the first universal law. His calm demeanor and focus on functional governance suggest he could guide the nation while respecting natural balance and feedback loops in governance. Antonio Trillanes IV, a former senator and naval officer, also presents a compelling profile. While polarizing to some, his bold stance against corruption and advocacy for institutional accountability are vital in restoring balance within a society affected by systemic abuse of power. Trillanes understands the role of discipline and structural integrity, reflecting the principle that a nation’s leadership must maintain checks and balances to prevent imbalance and collapse. In the academic and ideological spectrum, Walden Bello stands out as a deeply analytical figure with decades of experience in economic justice and global policy. Bello’s critiques of exploitative economic structures and his promotion of democratic reforms resonate with the natural law of balance. His insights reveal how global systems affect local realities, and how feedback mechanisms between internal governance and external forces must be carefully managed. Lastly, Grace Poe, a senator with a background in media regulation, offers a more centrist perspective. She has consistently advocated for transparency in government, access to technology, and improvement in public services. Her efforts to modernize systems, such as the transportation sector and digital infrastructure, demonstrate an understanding of how infrastructure integrity affects national development. These individuals, when assessed through the lens of natural law and the universal formula, reveal varying degrees of alignment with what true leadership should be: a balance of moral integrity, systemic intelligence, and accountability to both people and nature. Popularity is fleeting; systems thinking and balance, however, are timeless prerequisites for lasting progress. In conclusion, the best-qualified presidential candidate for the Philippines is not necessarily the most popular, but the one most committed to systemic integrity, ethical governance, and natural balance. The leader we need must understand that every national decision has consequences, and that those consequences—if not aligned with natural law—will only perpetuate suffering. The future of the Philippines depends not on manipulated public perception, but on the clear application of universal principles that foster true harmony and sustainable growth.