IN an Elton John song, the renowned singer said, “Sorry seems to be the hardest word.” This cannot be more accurate for President Benigno Aquino III’s current predicament.
Aquino is accused of being mainly responsible for the botched Jan. 25 Mamasapano operation that caused the death of 44 Special Action Force (SAF) commandos and 17 members of rebel group Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).
Former President Fidel V. Ramos wonders why Aquino won’t apologize to the families of the slaughtered commandos.
“What’s so difficult about that? A previous President said ‘I am sorry,’ and so that removed a lot of pressure on that person although eventually other things came up to cause her temporary detention in a hospital for alleged crimes,” Ramos said, referring to Arroyo.
“Saying ‘I’m sorry’ humbly and sincerely would probably do 90 percent of the job,” he added.
Aquino’s predecessor, former Pres. and Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is familiar with this situation. Probably, one of the lowest points in Arroyo’s term is her ‘Hello Garci’ Scandal. If you would ask a comedian to do an impression of Arroyo, one would use her famous line, “I… am… sorry” that she said in a televised speech to address the nation on the incident.
Arroyo connived with then Commission on Election (Comelec) Commissioner Virgilio Garcillano the rigged 2004 national election results.
Aquino has a different approach when facing big issues under his term. He has been dodging questions from the press. His spokespersons, though open to questions, reply evasively. Because of this approach, the public awaits Aquino’s side of the story as the commander-in-chief.
Both the Philippine National Police and the Senate have released their respective investigation results. Both reports are similar in saying that Aquino has liability over the incident.
Filipinos, being sentimental by nature, demand that the President apologize for what he has done wrong. Yes, the lives of the 44 commandos cannot be retrieved, but a little sympathy through claiming liability as the commander-in-chief or chief executive of the country could at least release the tension in the mourning hearts of the bereaved.
The incident happened nearly two months ago. The longer it takes for him to man up and speak, the more speculations are created.
Pulse Asia survey revealed that 79 percent of Filipinos believe that the explanation of the administration is not enough. However, 42 percent of Filipinos believe that Aquino should not step down from his post. The remaining percentage got divided between those who agree and those who remain undecided.
These figures, if closely analyzed, mean that though this is a trying time in Aquino’s presidency, Filipinos still trust him and wants to give him the chance to explain himself.
(AJPress)
