June 18, 2025

I Asked AI to Find the One That Got Away: Who Could Have Been the Best Philippine President We Never Had

By Jein Pabalinas, AIWhyLive.com

AI and Philippine Politics: Part 2

I Asked Copilot to Find the One That Got Away: Who Could Have Been the Best Philippine President We Never Had

In our previous article, AI and Philippine Politics: The Tale of 3 Presidents, we examined the leadership styles of Aquino, Duterte, and Marcos Jr. and how each left their indelible mark on the nation. But what about the leadership that never made it to Malacañang? In Part 2, we push the envelope further by asking: Who could have been the best Philippine president we never had? To answer this, I turned to Copilot’s data-driven insights to sift through names, histories, and public sentiments, and one name kept emerging as “the one that got away.”

The Quest for Unfulfilled Potential

Filipino politics is renowned for its dynamic personalities and vibrant debates. Yet, amid these colorful characters, there exists an archetype—a leader whose sharp intellect, uncompromising values, and bold vision could have reshaped the course of the country if given the chance. By using AI to analyze historical data, public opinion, leadership traits, and political discourse, Copilot identified a profile that resonates with many of the qualities long envisioned in an ideal leader.

The One That Got Away: A Case for Miriam Defensor Santiago

Without naming names at the outset, the data unmistakably pointed to a leader celebrated not only for her fiery wit and intellectual prowess but also for her staunch commitment to reform—a leader whose candidacy, if fully embraced, might have altered the political landscape. For many, that leader is Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago.

Why Miriam Defensor Santiago?

Bold Vision for Reform: From her incisive critiques to her proactive proposals for judicial and governmental reform, Santiago stood as a beacon of progressive thought. Her visionary ideas on eradicating corruption and enhancing citizen participation resonated deeply with those eager for transformative change in public policy.
Uncompromising Integrity and Intellectual Rigor: Known for her no-nonsense approach, Santiago consistently challenged established norms, earning both admiration and controversy. Her sharp intellect and unapologetic stance against inefficiencies made her a formidable force in the political arena—a force that many believe could have steered the country toward more transparent and efficient governance.
A Maverick Spirit That Inspired Many: Even in the face of political adversity, Santiago’s fearless demeanor and relentless pursuit of justice made her an enduring icon. Her legacy is a reminder that true leadership is not merely about occupying the highest office, but about inspiring change and holding power accountable.

Although Senator Santiago did run for higher office, structural challenges and political machinations ultimately prevented her from ascending to the presidency. Yet, her enduring influence continues to spark debates and shape aspirations for a more accountable government.

AI Insights and the Vision for a Better Future

Leveraging vast amounts of political data and sentiment analysis, Copilot’s review highlighted that a presidency led by a leader with Santiago’s profile might have prioritized:

Institutional Transparency: Adopting a governance model emphasizing accountability, robust checks, and balances.
People-Centric Policies: Launching initiatives designed to tackle systemic corruption and promote genuine public welfare.
Innovative Reforms: Implementing progressive approaches to education, healthcare, and economic development that could have propelled the Philippines into a new era of progress.

For Filipino readers, this AI-driven analysis is more than an exercise in “what might have been.” It is an invitation to reflect on the qualities we most desire in our leaders—integrity, visionary courage, and the willingness to challenge the status quo. These attributes are vital as our nation navigates a rapidly evolving political and socio-economic landscape.

A Call to Action for the Future of Philippine Politics

While we can only speculate about the transformative legacy of a leader like Miriam Defensor Santiago, her potential as revealed by AI insights remains invaluable. It reminds us that the best form of leadership is not defined by legacy or office, but by the courage to innovate, the strength to fight corruption, and the unwavering commitment to work for the people.

This introspection, powered by AI-driven analysis, should encourage voters and political stakeholders to look beyond conventional choices. We must embrace leaders who are unafraid to challenge norms, who prioritize genuine reform over political expediency, and who are fully committed to a future where justice, transparency, and progress are realities rather than empty promises.

Boldly put: Philippine politics must evolve. We need a political culture where potential is recognized early, leadership is nurtured on merit and vision, and every missed opportunity is transformed into a lesson for a brighter future.

So, What?

Copilot’s analysis reminds us that, while history has dealt us a particular hand, the promise of change lies in our ability to reimagine leadership. The “best president we never had” may remain an idea—for now—but it serves as a critical benchmark for the qualities we should demand from our future leaders.

Just as I have one soul to save, I have one country to save as well, and I envision AIWhyLive as a platform to reach and transform countless lives. In the future, there will be no more “could have been”—only the promise of what can be when we choose leaders with unwavering integrity, bold vision, and the genuine will to reform. Although it’s impossible for one president to fix the country alone, finding the right one is a courageous first step towards collective redemption and renewal. Let us draw inspiration from the untapped potential of what might have been and commit to choosing—or even becoming—the changemakers our nation so desperately needs.

Sources for Further Reading on Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago:

Wikipedia – Miriam Defensor Santiago Miriam Defensor Santiago – Wikipedia
Senate of the Philippines – Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago – Senate of the Philippines
Legislative Accomplishments of Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago Legislative Accomplishments
AI and Philippine Politics: The Tale of 3 Presidents