Former Senator Gregorio “Gringo” Honasan called on President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. to rise above political divisions and govern as a leader for all Filipinos.
“Ang kailangan gawin ng ating Pangulo ay maging Pangulo ng Republika ng Pilipinas, maging Pangulo ng lahat ng Pilipino, kalaban man sa pulitika o hindi. May mga hakbang na siyang ginagawa," Honasan said in an interview in DZRH's Special on Saturday.
The former senator, who served in the upper chamber for over two decades, said that while corruption scandals and partisan politics dominate national discourse, the President must act decisively and inclusively.
Honasan pointed out that each branch of government has a clear role in ensuring stability and progress.
“Kanya-kanyang papel tayo. Ang lehislatura, in aid of legislation. Ang executive, ang ating Pangulo, executive action. Kapag may pagtatanong, hindi pagkakaintindihan, nandyan ang judiciary. Kanya-kanya tayong papel, kapag naganap na ang mga sunod-sunod na kilos-protesta, makahubog tayo ng plano hindi lang para sa ating sarili, kundi para sa ating mga anak," Honasan said.
Honasan also touched on governance reforms, suggesting that the Local Government Code and revenue-sharing mechanisms be revisited to strengthen accountability.
He pointed out that flood control, a recurring budget item, should be reexamined for cost-effectiveness, even questioning whether relocation might be a better long-term solution than repeated spending.
"Bakit natin pinagpipilitan na pondohan taun-taon ang flood control, samantalang ang nalalagay sa alanganin 'yung mga kababayan natin, baka mas mura, baka dapat pag-aralan natin, mas mura ba, mas cost-effective ba na ilikas na lang natin ang mga kababayan natin kung saan ang kabahayan na inaanod sa ilog taun-taon, buwan-buwan binabaha," he suggested.
Honasan stressed that Filipinos should not allow political rivalries to derail national development.
He argued that the President’s role is not just to lead allies but to govern with fairness and accountability for both supporters and critics.
“Kung ang pag-uusapan, utak, dunong, tayong mga Pilipino ay world-class. Pero kung ang pag-uusapan ay puso, tayo ay champion. Kailangan, one flag, one nation, one people,” he said, urging citizens to unite behind shared national goals.
The former senator acknowledged that no political figure is without flaws but insisted that progress comes when leaders and citizens alike commit to collective sacrifice and responsibility.
"Napansin ko, itong mga rally, itong mga kilos-protesta, maraming sumasakay dito, wala sa ating humaharap dyan na malinis, lahat tayo ay may bagahe. Ako ay may bagahe, pagkukulang, hindi ako perpekto," Honasan stated.
"Imperpekto itong mga pambansang bayani natin, pero nagsama-sama, nagsakripisyo, namatay, nagbuwis ng buhay, at nangarap para sa isang bansa na wala pa noon. Wala pang Republic of the Philippines noon. Iyon dapat ang ating tahak," he added.
On young politicians
According to him, during his rounds across the country, he met many young mayors, congressmen, governors, and board members whom he described as highly capable. When asked why they often remain silent, Honasan said some confided that speaking out could risk losing political and financial support.
"Kailangan mag-usap-usap itong mga batang ito, dahil sila ang future, sila ang kinabukasan natin. They are our most precious, renewable and strategic resource, our next generation of citizens and leaders. Mas magagaling, 'di hamak, sa atin," he said.
Despite widespread frustration over recurring corruption scandals, Honasan maintained a hopeful outlook, placing his faith in the next generation of leaders and in Filipinos’ resilience.
“Matuto kayo sa tama naming ginawa, matuto kayo sa mali naming ginawa. Hindi ako nawawalan ng pag-asa. Ang gagaling nitong susunod nating henerasyon,” he said.
Honasan concluded by urging the government and citizens to act now, not only for present stability but also for future generations.
