ABS-CBN reporter Anthony Taberna believes the man who could best lead the country is already in the running for next year’s election.

“He is already among us,” Taberna told Manila Bulletin Entertainment Online in an exclusive interview.

Although Taberna refused to name the candidate, he enumerated the qualities a good president should possess. 

Taberna said this president should be “young, dignified, has political will, and is a firm decision maker.”

“(At dapat) 'yung hindi masyadong nakabaon sa utang na loob. And someone who can inspire the nation,” he added.

Anthony cited Sen. Chiz Escudero as an example of one who embodies youth.

“(Mahalaga 'yun) kasi 60-70% ng botante ay kabataan. Sila yung mas malaking bulto ng pagsisilbihan kaya importante na yung damdamin nila ay mabasa ng gobyerno.

“Si Chiz bata lang sa itsura, kasi pa-T-shirt-T-shirt, pa-maong-maong. Pero maalam na din siya dahil sa dami ng naging experience niya,” said Taberna.

Sen. Panfilo Lacson, meanwhile, is someone Taberna believes who has strong political will.

“Hindi siya nakikipagcompromise. (Takot man ang tao sa kanya), pero ganoong klase ang kailangan natin para umunlad tayo.”

Anthony said a president needs to be charismatic. “Si Manny Villar, may charisma siya -- bukod sa may pera,” he mused aloud.

The reporter puts a premium on lineage, too, in his choice of leader. He said that Sen. Noynoy Aquino has this quality.

“Nanggaling siya sa lahing may pakialam sa bayan, gaya rin ng lahi ng mga Quirino, Roxas, at Osmeña noong araw.”

A synthesis of these assets will make for a good president, said Taberna.

“Ang kailangan natin, disciplinarian. ‘Yung makakapagpasunod sa tao mula sa kaliit-liitang batas hanggang sa pinakamalalaki.” 

Could this person be…himself?

“May mga nag-o-offer sa'kin nung last election pa, (pero) sabi ko hindi ko linya,” said he, laughing.

“Tiyak marami pa namang ibang paraan para makapagsilbi sa kapwa.”

(Anthony Taberna hosts the documentary show, “Kalye,” with Atom Araullo and Sol Aragones, and radio station DZMM’s “Dos Por Dos” program with Gerry Baja)