Various burning issues from the Aquino administration compelled the Center for Integrative and Development Studies (CIDS) of the University of the Philippines to organize a soul-searching exercise in the manner that the university knows best: a series of no-holds-barred round table discussion among men and women of wisdom, most of whom had served in the public sector and who stand above particular interests. The CIDS hopes that such an exercise, conducted with sobriety and balance, will contribute to move this country from the apparent impasse it finds itself on these questions. The discussions engaged academics and members of civil society groups, constitutionalists, former legislators, a former ombudsman, former members of the cabinet, former local officials, and civic leaders.