NOVEL NEXT Chapter 3: Chapter 3
Chapter 3: Assembling the Team
As the morning light streamed through the windows of the presidential office in Malacañang Palace, Ferdinand Salazar leaned back in his chair, his eyes fixed on the ceiling as he contemplated the monumental task before him. It had been a week since he had found himself inhabiting the body of Ferdinand Marcos, and each day brought new challenges that tested his adaptability and resolve.
The past week had been a whirlwind of familiarization and adjustment. Salazar had thrown himself into the role of President, poring over briefings, meeting with key officials, and working tirelessly to understand the intricacies of his new position. Now, as he sat surrounded by stacks of reports and dossiers, he knew that the time had come to make crucial decisions that would shape the future of the Philippines.
Salazar's gaze fell upon the pile of folders on his desk, each containing the profiles of potential cabinet members. He knew that his choices for these key positions would be instrumental in determining the success or failure of his administration. With a deep breath, he reached for the first folder, ready to begin the process of assembling his team.
The position of Secretary of National Defense was at the forefront of his mind. Salazar recalled the historical records of Ferdinand Marcos, which indicated that Juan Ponce Enrile had held this position. However, as he reflected on Enrile's controversial past and questionable loyalty, Salazar felt a growing unease.
"No," he muttered to himself, shaking his head. "I need someone I can trust implicitly. Someone whose loyalty is beyond question."
His eyes fell upon the name of Fabian Ver in one of the reports. Ver's distinguished military career and unwavering loyalty to the presidency made him an appealing candidate. Salazar remembered Ver's role as Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines under Marcos in the original timeline, and the man's reputation for steadfast dedication and professionalism.
As he read through Ver's file, Salazar felt a growing sense of certainty. Here was a man who could bring stability and strong leadership to the Department of National Defense. Unlike Enrile, whose motivations often seemed clouded in ambiguity, Ver's commitment to duty was clear and unshakeable.
"Fabian Ver it is," Salazar said aloud, making a note in his planner. "He'll bring the steady hand we need at Defense."
With that decision made, Salazar turned his attention to the position of Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. Here, he saw no reason to deviate from the historical precedent set by Marcos. General Manuel Yan, the incumbent Chief of Staff, had proven himself to be a capable and effective leader.
Salazar nodded approvingly as he reviewed Yan's file. The general's keen understanding of military strategy and his steadfast commitment to national defense made him an ideal candidate to retain his position. With Ver as Secretary of National Defense and Yan as Chief of Staff, Salazar felt confident that he had laid the groundwork for a strong and loyal military leadership.
As the morning wore on, Salazar's attention turned to the equally crucial matter of economic leadership. The position of Secretary of Finance, along with other key economic roles, would be vital in shaping the country's financial future. Salazar knew that his choices here could make or break his plans for Philippine prosperity.
He spread out the files of the top candidates before him, each name carrying with it a weight of experience and expertise:
Cesar Virata, born in Manila on December 12, 1930, was first on the list. Salazar was impressed by Virata's educational background - a Bachelor of Science in Commerce from the University of the Philippines in 1952, followed by an MBA from Harvard Business School in 1955. Virata's career spanned both public and private sectors, giving him a well-rounded perspective on economic matters.
Next was Jaime Laya, born on December 29, 1939, in Manila. Laya's academic credentials were equally impressive - a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Harvard College in 1960 and a Master of Arts in Law and Diplomacy from the Fletcher School at Tufts University in 1964. His experience in government agencies and financial institutions made him a strong contender.
Gregorio Licaros, born on March 12, 1928, in Manila, brought a wealth of private sector experience to the table. With a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of the Philippines in 1950 and an MBA from Harvard Business School in 1953, Licaros had a solid foundation in finance and management.
Gerardo Sicat, born on October 27, 1933, in Manila, stood out for his academic achievements. A Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the University of the Philippines in 1953, followed by a Master of Arts and Ph.D. in Economics from Harvard University in 1958 and 1961 respectively, spoke to Sicat's deep understanding of economic theory and policy.
Finally, there was Benjamin G. Gopez, born on September 4, 1935, in Manila. With a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of the Philippines in 1955 and an MBA from Harvard Business School in 1959, Gopez had built a successful career in banking and finance.
Salazar leaned back in his chair, overwhelmed by the caliber of candidates before him. Each brought unique strengths to the table, and he knew that his decision would have far-reaching implications for the Philippines' economic future.
After hours of careful consideration, Salazar made his decision. He would appoint Cesar Virata as Secretary of Finance. Virata's combination of public and private sector experience, coupled with his strong educational background, made him the ideal candidate to navigate the complex economic challenges facing the nation.
However, Salazar was not content to let the talents of the other candidates go to waste. He decided to create a Council of Economic Advisers, incorporating the expertise of Laya, Licaros, Sicat, and Gopez. This council would work closely with Virata to develop and implement comprehensive economic policies.
As the sun began to set, casting long shadows across the presidential office, Salazar sat back, satisfied with the progress he had made. He had assembled a team of military and economic leaders that he believed could help him realize his vision for a prosperous and secure Philippines.
But even as he felt a sense of accomplishment, Salazar was acutely aware that his work was far from over. He still had many other cabinet positions to fill, each as crucial as the last in ensuring the success of his administration.
Moreover, he knew that assembling the team was just the first step. The real challenge lay in working with these individuals to implement policies that would steer the Philippines towards a brighter future. Salazar was under no illusions about the difficulty of the task ahead. He would need to balance competing interests, navigate complex political landscapes, and make tough decisions that might not always be popular.
As he prepared to leave the office for the day, Salazar's mind was already racing with plans for the coming weeks and months. He would need to meet with each of his appointees, outlining his vision and expectations. He would need to begin crafting policies that addressed the most pressing issues facing the nation - from economic development and infrastructure improvement to social welfare and education reform.
But perhaps most importantly, Salazar knew he would need to remain vigilant. His knowledge of the future - of the mistakes and missteps that had led to the downfall of the Marcos regime in his original timeline - weighed heavily on his mind. He was determined to chart a different course, to use his unique position to create a better future for the Philippines.
As he switched off the lights in his office, Salazar paused for a moment, his hand on the doorknob. The weight of responsibility settled on his shoulders like a physical presence. He thought of the millions of Filipinos whose lives would be affected by the decisions he made in this office. He thought of the potential for greatness that lay dormant in the nation, waiting to be unleashed.
With a deep breath, Salazar straightened his shoulders and stepped out of the office. Tomorrow would bring new challenges, new decisions to be made. But for now, he had taken the first crucial steps towards shaping the future of the Philippines. As he walked through the quiet halls of Malacañang Palace, Ferdinand Salazar, in the body of Ferdinand Marcos, felt a glimmer of hope for the future he was determined to create.