Why Good Leadership Matters This 2025 Election
Leadership is more than just holding a position or winning a title. As Filipinos prepare for the upcoming national and local elections on May 12, 2025, it’s essential to reflect on the real qualities we should be looking for in the leaders we choose — not just for our barangays, cities, or provinces, but for the future of the Philippines itself.
Whether at work, in school, within our families, or in government, the traits of true leaders remain the same. Outstanding leadership uplifts communities, while poor leadership can set them back for generations.
Being vigilant, informed, and intentional about who we support is one of the most powerful ways we can build a better nation.
Below, we share the top leadership qualities to admire — and the leadership red flags that every Filipino voter, student, worker, and citizen should watch out for.
✨ 10 Good Leadership Traits Filipinos Should Look For
- Has Integrity — Tapat
A true leader is consistently honest and ethical. They are not clout-chasers and do the right thing even when no one is watching.
- Accountable — May Paninindigan sa Pananagutan
Good leaders take responsibility for their actions, admit mistakes, and work to fix them, not blame others.
- Empathic — Pakikiramay or Pakikipagkapwa
They genuinely care about the needs, feelings, and struggles of the people they serve.
- Has Vision — Malinaw na Pananaw
A strong leader knows where they are leading their team, community, or country, and inspires others to believe in that vision too.
- Skilled Communicator — Malinaw sa Komunikasyon
Good leaders know how to listen actively and communicate clearly, making sure everyone understands and feels heard.
- Humble — Mapagkumbaba
Instead of acting like they know it all, great leaders stay humble, learn from others, and accept feedback.
- Adaptable — Kakayahang Umangkop
When times change — as they always do — good leaders adjust with grace and guide their people through uncertainty.
- Courageous — Matapang
They make hard decisions when necessary and stand up for what is right, even under pressure.
- Fair — Makatarungan
A great leader treats everyone equally, without favoritism or bias.
- Has Commitment to Growth — May Pangako sa Patuloy na Pag-unlad
Good leaders invest in continuous learning — not just for themselves but for the people they serve.
🚩 10 Red Flags of Poor Leadership (Traits to Avoid)
- Dishonest — Sinungaling
Leaders who constantly lie or hide the truth can never be trusted to serve the people faithfully.
- Blame-shifter — Palasisi sa Iba
Bad leaders avoid responsibility and blame others for their own failures.
- Arrogant — Mayabang
An over-inflated ego creates leaders who are disconnected from the people they should be helping.
- Poor Communicator — Malabong Kausap
When leaders don’t listen or explain clearly, they sow confusion, mistrust, and division.
- Has Favoritism — May Pinapaboran
Unfair treatment and “palakasan” systems only divide teams, communities, and even whole countries. Taking a side with fair judgment is different.
- Unreliable — Hindi Maasahan
Leaders who refuse to adapt and show up to challenges or ideas hinder progress.
- Indifferent — Walang Pakialam
If leaders are uncaring or disconnected from people’s real struggles, they cannot truly serve.
- Has No Vision — Walang Malinaw na Pananaw
Without clear direction, followers or supporters are left confused, scattered, and stagnant.
- Fear-based Leader — Pamumunong Nakabatay sa Takot
Leaders who use intimidation instead of inspiration create a culture of fear, not progress.
- Has No Accountability — Walang Pananagutan
Leaders who refuse to admit mistakes or abuse their power should never be entrusted with greater responsibility.
🗳️ Your Choice Will Shape Our Future!
This election season — and every day beyond it — leadership matters. The choices we make as voters, workers, students, and citizens directly shape the future of our families, communities, and the Philippines as a whole.
Let’s remember: titles and promises mean nothing without integrity, empathy, and true service.
By supporting leaders who uplift others and rejecting those who rule through fear, corruption, or selfishness, we build a nation we can all be proud of.
Leadership starts with our choices — and this May 12, 2025, your choice matters!
Ronnie Yatco
Ronnie is a portrait and editorial photographer, a coffee and sushi-lover, a dog-dad, a fitness enthusiast, an interior design hobbyist, and a budding theater actor. Follow him on IG @rurouniyatco
