Mamasapano incident seen to affect chances of Aquino’s anointed bet in 2016

MANILA, Philippines – A ranking House of Representatives leader on Tuesday said that President Benigno Aquino III’s star quality has been diminished, and this could affect the chances of his anointed candidate in 2016.

Deputy Speaker Giorgido Aggabao in a press conference said the operation that left 44 Special Action Force (SAF) elite police officers dead in an attack by the Moro Islamic Liberation Front will most likely affect the winnability of the anointed successor of the President, the country’s commander-in-chief, who the public believes should be held accountable for the disastrous operation.

“I would like to add that even in the aftermath of Mamasapano our support for the President is still very very strong although I have to add with all respect… this incident may have dented a little bit the possible influence of the President, on who to choose or support on the next elections,” said Aggabao, a senior official of the administration ally Nationalist People’s Coalition.

Lawmakers during the House probe were eager in questioning Aquino’s role in the disastrous counter-terror raid. Aquino was accused of breaking the chain of command by authorizing the covert operation to capture two terrorists with then suspended police chief Alan Purisima allegedly calling the shots. Although the President has admitted accountability for the tragedy, he has denied giving the go-signal for the mission.

Aggabao said before the clash, the public perception is that whoever Aquino endorses as president has an edge over political rivals. Aquino’s presumptive presidential bet is Interior Secretary Mar Roxas, who gave way for Aquino to run in the 2010 polls following the death of Aquino’s mother, Cory.

“(But) this perception may have somehow dimmed a bit, even the popularity of the President,” Aggabao said.

“I’m just curious if a survey is conducted in the aftermath of the Mamasapano, I’m curious how the people would react.  But I’d like to put a bet that it would dim a bit,” he added.

Coming to the rescue of Aquino are Liberal Party mates Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. and Eastern Samar Representative Ben Evardone, who both remain confident that the President retained his popularity despite the Mamasapano incident.

“Let’s face it. As a politician, nakikita mo naman na up and down ang popularity ng mga tao depending on the issue of the day. It could have dented his popularity, pero wala naman akong dudang makaka-recover siya,” Belmonte said in a separate press conference.

The Speaker also brushed off as “ridiculous” the calls for President to step down over the carnage. “Ang galing galing na president noong tao, guguluhin mo lang,” Belmonte said.

Evardone, for his part, blamed the opposition for trying “to take advantage or exploit the situation to precisely diminish the power of the President to endorse in 2016.”