MANILA, Philippines ? The buck stops at the highest office of the land.

President Benigno Aquino III has owned up to all the blame in connection with the failed hostage rescue that resulted in the deaths of eight Hong Kong tourists and strained relations with China.

?At the end of the day, I am responsible for everything that has transpired,? Mr. Aquino told reporters in the course of expressing his thoughts on Senator Francis Escudero?s remarks that Interior Secretary Jesse Robredo would have a tough confirmation process before the Commission on Appointments.

Escudero, a political ally of Aquino, criticized Robredo for failing to take charge of the crisis situation that rapidly deteriorated on the evening of August 23 when a botched rescue operation resulted in the deaths of the hostage-taker, dismissed police officer Rolando Mendoza, and eight Hong Kong tourists.