1 PLATO’S LEADERSHIP VALUES AND THE PHILIPPINE CASE Jose Aims R. Rocina, PhD Associate Professor, Political Science De la Salle University-Dasmarinas, Dasmarinas, Cavite, Philippines jrrocina@dlsud.edu.ph Contact No. 09275598216 Abstract Perhaps disillusioned by the mode of governance in Athens which led to the death of his mentor, Socrates, Plato incorporated into his Republic some of his ideas to improve the competence of leaders. In such an endeavor, he elaborated on the importance of education, training, patriotism and even censorship in molding leaders of vision, integrity and respect. Indeed, various scholars agree that these Platonic concepts are still relevant and applicable today as society look for leaders who will provide the guiding principle and strong motivation to move forward in their quest for development and progress. Thus, the author believes that these Platonic views on the traits leaders should possess and how they should deal with their citizens or subjects have to be adopted by present-day rulers and leaders to gain the trust and confidence of their citizens and peers and for them to govern well in their respective states.. Thus, these Platonic leadership values are also relevant and meaningful in the Philippine contemporary setting and needs to be introduced and encouraged to provide the impetus for the Filipino people to achieve economic and political growth and sustainability Key words: leaders, leadership values, states, people