PNoy’s administration is in crisis. And in a major way, the crisis is self-inflicted.
Public outrage resulting in demands for the resignation, or ouster of no less than the president is getting stronger by the day as more details on the slaughter of the 44 Special Action Forces (SAF) become publicly available.
In the absence of clear information from government deemed credible by an incensed public, news reports from various sources are believed no matter if virtually all of them come from unnamed sources. This is an indication of how badly people want heads to roll.
More and more fingers point to president Aquino as the guilty party. No less than former president and military general Fidel V. Ramos said that PNoy, as the commander-in-chief, broke the chain of command and is responsible for the horrible deaths of the SAF commandos.
Thus, the mounting call for PNoy’s ouster just a little over a year before the next presidential elections in 2016.
PNoy did not get my vote for the presidency. I have openly criticized many of his actions (and inaction) and pronouncements on various issues as I have also publicly appreciated some. Like many, I also think that, under the principle of command responsibility and based on available information, he should take responsibility for the Mamapasano tragedy.
However, for now, I am not joining the call for the President’s resignation or ouster for various reasons.
This call emanates from the thinking that the carnage was PNoy’s doing especially after information from unnamed sources surfaced. Having made my position on this clear, I still think that these sources should come forward and tell all. That is, if indeed, they are in the know.
Whether we trust the writers of the reports or not is not as important as making the information credible. Unfortunately, a big part of our knowledge on this tragedy is based on unsubstantiated information—chismis, as how some would put it.
That sources want anonymity is understandable especially in this case when the highest official of the land, with his vast powers, is being implicated. Coming out may mean losing one’s position, or worst, being in harm’s way because of the many interests at play.
But then again, justice for the 44 SAF members can only be had with the truth. And this cannot be based on chismis. Thus, it is most important for those who have real information to come out. Anonymity makes for questionable information.
The resignation of suspended Philippine National Police Director Alan Purisima and PNoy’s acceptance of his resignation is a welcome development. Purisima should now speak up and tell the people his, the President’s, and even the Americans’ involvement in the Mamapasano operations. He should testify with the truth and nothing but.
Purisima’s speaking up can be the break for others to also come out with their stories. Then perhaps the Filipino people can weigh in in a more enlightened way on the issue of whether PNoy should resign or not.
Who were the first to call for Aquino’s ouster? It was those groups that belong to the extreme left. Well, they have been at this for years now. These groups are known to be allied with Vice-President Jejomar Binay. Nobody knows what their deal is but certainly, it will be mutually favorable to both sides.
For as long as the extreme left does not forego armed struggle, I will continue to be suspicious of the alliances they build.
I am not (yet) in the mood to oust another president. We have done this several times and look at where we are still. Personally, I would rather that voters learn to be more responsible and intelligent. Personality and popularity-based politics should be thrown out of the window. Otherwise, we will not be able to advance as a nation.
This brings me to my next point—ousting PNoy now means that Vice President Binay will take over the presidency. Admittedly, I am not a Binay fan as I am still searching for my “presidential election”. The VP (and some of his family members) is to say the least, also tainted by corruption allegations.
While the controversy surrounding Binay may very well be the creation of his political opponents, the VP himself has refused or has been unable to adequately respond to the charges of corruption against him. Unless the cloud of doubt over Binay clears, I would not want him to be president should Aquino get booted out.
My most important reason for not joining the oust Aquino call at this time is, I want the Filipino people to have a fresh start through the 2016 elections. Perhaps I am an idealist. I still believe that our electorate can learn.
PNoy’s term should teach us that the country needs a president who is not corrupt AND who is capable and hardworking. 2016 can give us the chance to choose wisely from those who will apply for the job. This time, we should scrutinize the applicants’ track record, integrity, and even their health status. After all, running a country is a 24/7 job and the president needs to be on top.
Ousting PNoy now can very well rob us of the chance to redeem ourselves as voters and maybe, have the president the country needs and deserve.
Ousting PNoy now will be a huge favor for Binay. His taking over for the rest of the term will give him undue advantage over all other presidential candidates in 2016. The enormous powers and financial resources that come with being in Malacanang will of course be harnessed towards his electoral victory.
I would rather have a level playing field (if that is at all possible), so that the people’s voice become supreme.
So there. For now, I am not calling for PNoy’s resignation or ouster.
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