By EDITH B. COLMO and CYRUS M. GARDE
BACOLOD City — President Benigno Aquino III’s turning emotional during his State of the Nation Address (Sona) on Monday failed to tug at the heartstrings of most Negrenses.
Aquino’s gesture generated sympathy and understanding, mostly from the President’s already avid supporters, but some said it was a sign of his “weakness” as a leader.
“It was the technique of PNoy to get sympathy,” a newsstand man here said. “His mistake of opposing the Supreme Court’s decision on DAP (Disbursement Acceleration Program) must be corrected.”
Aquino earlier said it will appeal the high court’s decision declaring DAP as unconstitutional.
Impeachment complaints have been filed against him for his pronouncement that made an impression that the executive was challenging the judiciary.
“PNoy has done so much. He does not need to cry before the public. He should learn to submit to the law,” a retired policeman, who requested anonymity, said.
Dr. Rolando Lee, an ophthalmologist, said Aquino “should have discussed the pressing problems of the country” and “must be firm in dealing with issues.”
Aquino “failed to touch the Asean Free Trade Agreement in January 2015. Tax-free imports? This is good for traders but will kill our local industries,” Lee stressed.
Rom Pantaleon, a teacher, considered Aquino’s gesture as a sign of weakness.
“A leader must be strong. He must learn how to face criticisms. Crying in public is tantamount to showing your being a lame leader,” Pantaleon said.
Erwin Mabug-at, who works for a travel and tours agency, shared the same sentiment. “If he cries, he is weak. How can a weak President lead and inspire us to be strong, tough, and brave?”
He said Aquino must have been “politicking.” The Sona, he said, “should have been a moment of courage, determination, and confidence.”
Amy, a housewife from Barangay Taculing here, said, “Don’t let it affect you. They were just crocodile tears.”
Dr. Ann Morillo, a human resource worker at the capitol, believes Aquino was only being human. “It could be sign of his disappointment that he is unfairly criticized in spite of what he has done to this country.”
Alan, a taxi driver and self-proclaimed die-hard supporter of Aquino, said the President cried only when he talked about his family, especially his parents.
“This man does everything (for the country), that’s why we are able to recover economically somehow,” Alan said. “He is honest, but he does know who among the people he trusts are corrupt.”
“Crying is normal. Even we soldiers cry,” Col. Jon Aying, Philippine Army’s 303rd Infantry Battalion commander, said. “So far, it’s very good. I don’t see a major deficiency on how he runs our country.”/PN
