Aquino ‘very sober’ in defending DAP—allies
MANILA, Philippines—Senator Paolo Benigno “Bam” Aquino IV on Tuesday came to the defense of his cousin, President Benigno Aquino III, saying the latter was not combative but “very sober” and in “good spirits” when he addressed the nation Monday to explain the Disbursement Acceleration Program (DAP).
“Nandoon ako. On the contrary, para sa akin hindi combative. Nagtataka nga ako kung bakit lahat ng diyaryo sinasabi combative,” the senator said in an interview.
(I was there. On the contrary, for me, it’s not combative. I’m wondering why all newspapers are saying that he was combative.)
“I actually felt it was very sober. He was in good spirits,” he said.
The senator then described as “exaggerations” all reports that the President was in a fighting mode when he delivered his speech on the DAP.
Senator Paolo Benigno “Bam” Aquino IV. FILE PHOTO
He said the President merely explained why he was defending the DAP and the senator was hoping that the Supreme Court, which declared parts of the program unconstitutional, and the public would listen to Aquino’s explanation.
Senator Juan Edgardo Angara also defended the President from criticisms, saying Aquino has always been “passionate” when defending his own beliefs.
“The President has always been that way, I think. Even if you look at the decisions of the SC previous to Chief Justice (Renato) Corona’s removal, ganun talaga sya magsalita when it comes to the SC because very passionate sya about his beliefs although yun nga, hindi lagi nananalo ang executive sa Supreme Court,” Angara said in a separate interview.
“It’s just a functioning of our Constitution. I see it as a healthy democracy… but at the end of the day we all must comply with the interpretation of the law,” he said.
Angara maintained his support for the President on the DAP issue, noting that the program had not been declared yet unconstitutional by the high tribunal when it was implemented and released to the lawmakers.
“Pero ngayon na nagsalita na ang Supreme Court, kailangan galangin natin once naging final yung decision,” Angara added.
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