Fates of nations are determined by the quality of its leaders and the strength of its institutions. The unfortunate reality, however, is that despite our rich natural resources, youthful workforce and favorable geographic location, the Philippines is saddled with liabilities that consign it to be the region’s perennial underachiever. These liabilities are our defective political institution and low caliber of leaders. Through the years, our political system has been manipulated to one that serves the interest of the narrow elite, not the greater majority. Thus, vital reforms are either blocked…