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But something about him struck me. Perhaps it was, as I wrote back then, his “quiet determination and self-confidence, an inherently rational and deliberate mindset and a determination not to become indebted to entrenched business and political interests… his integrity and intelligence may well propel the Philippines forward and surprise its neighbors.”

Last Feb. 28, listening to him speak in Kuala Lumpur, Mr. Aquino clearly hasn’t disappointed. Speaking of his election, he noted: “The people told us… it’s time to once and for all realize the vast potential of the Philippines.” I think Mr. Aquino has delivered on this score and more. Indeed, Malaysia can learn a lot from the Philippines.

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Separately, in 2013 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) sent $22.5 billion in remittances back home. Of course, the large numbers of OFWs (estimated at nearly 10 million) represent a substantial cost to the nation—the republic’s best and brightest working in other countries, most often leaving behind their children, and in not a few instances resulting in broken families. Nonetheless, the Philippines will be entering a demographic “sweet spot” in 2015, when the majority of the population will reach working age.

Admittedly, corruption remains a major problem. But Aquino has never shied away from taking on those who abuse power. He has not spared even his predecessor, Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. Whatever the merits of the charges against her, her prosecution proves beyond a shadow of doubt that Aquino holds no one above the law. Under his presidency, the Philippines’ Corruption Perception Index ranking improved from 134th in 2010 to 94th in 2013.

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Of course, the deal still needs the approval of Philippine Congress; and another rebel group, the Moro National Liberation Front, maintains a recalcitrant attitude toward the latest peace agreement. But the establishment of the Bangsamoro will be a big boost to security not only in the southern Philippines but also in Sabah. In agreeing to this development, the overwhelmingly Catholic Philippines has shown generosity and innovation in dealing with its minorities.

I’m not saying everything is rosy there. The country’s continuing defiance of China over the South China Sea (West Philippine Sea) issue may be unwise, especially with the political tension in the region heating up. Still, it would be foolish to dismiss the Philippines’ latest feats.

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Karim Raslan

Raslan is the founder, managing director and CEO of KRA Group, a public affairs consulting firm with an ASEAN-wide focus that specializes in stakeholder relations, business advisory, strategic communication solutions, in-depth cross-market research and reputation management.

Raslan is a public affairs expert, with more than fifteen years experience in stakeholder management and socio-political risks analysis specializing in Southeast Asia. The Cambridge - trained lawyer, columnist and writer has developed a deep understanding of business and politics across Southeast Asia, especially of Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand and the Philippines.

His weekly syndicated column Ceritalah, which discusses socio-political developments and current issues in the region, is published in three languages: English, Mandarin and Malay in The Star, Sin Chew Daily and Sinar Harian respectively (all in Malaysia).

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