Will the Philippines ever have a Lee Kuan Yew?

THE Foreign Affairs department’s statement on “the Passing of Singapore’s Founding Prime Minister” yesterday is terse but truthful.

“The Philippines joins the Singaporean people in mourning the passing of their first Prime Minister and Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew. Mr. Lee was a visionary statesman who built Singapore into an economic powerhouse and modern society that has been a positive force not only in the region but also in the world. His fortitude, political will and wisdom will continue to be an inspiration in the years to come.”