President Benigno Aquino III during the necrological services for the SAF 44. AP PHOTO/Bullit Marquez
MANILA, Philippines–How will President Benigno Aquino III turn the tide of outrage following the botched Mamasapano operation? He can try shunning his trusty teleprompter, a political analyst said.
“He should not be aided by a teleprompter. [He should give his speech] from the heart,” political analyst Clarita Carlos told Radyo Inquirer 990AM on Friday when asked about what Aquino should do in the face of controversy.
“Why doesn’t he come clean? Magsabi na lang sya, ‘Oo nagkamali ako. Oo hindi ako nagsabi ng totoo noon kasi there were higher considerations’ or something like that (He can just say, ‘Yes I made a mistake. I did not tell the truth before because there were higher considerations’ or something like that),” the University of the Philippines professor said.
Carlos said the public is ready to forgive him, they’re just waiting for his apology.
Aquino has been receiving flak not only for poor handling of the operation, which left more than 60 people killed including 44 policemen, but also for not seeming sympathetic to the families of the victims.
Even before it was reported that the President allegedly asked resigned Philippine National Police chief Alan Purisima to direct the operation despite his suspension, Aquino was already being criticized for not attending the arrival honors for the 44 Special Action Forces (SAF) troopers.
READ: Aquino attends plant inauguration as bodies of slain SAF men arrive in Manila
His speech, which was aided by a teleprompter, during the necrological services of the policemen did little to assuage the grief of the families.
Instead, the relatives and the general public found it lacking in empathy.
READ: Aquino reaches out; SAF 44 relatives not convinced
As more details emerged, groups started asking him for answers while others called for his ouster or resignation. There were also reports of a coup plot.
Except for his public speeches in Malacañang, Aquino has remained relatively mum on the issue. Palace spokespersons said he will speak at the right time and when he chooses to.
On Wednesday, he surprised the families of the slain cops during an event at Camp Crame. There he attempted to assure them of government support.
READ: Aquino pays surprise visit to kin of SAF 44 at Crame
Carlos welcomed the move, pointing out that Aquino is only making up for his shortcomings.
“Let’s give him credit for that. Let’s not be too harsh on him,” she said.
READ: More questions for Aquino
Damage control
However, she said there was also nothing wrong with the personalities and groups expressing their opposition.
“Wala namang masama doon na ipakita ng maraming sektor ang pagkadismaya nila sa napakaraming errors in judgment ng pinuno natin. At bukod doon ang patuloy na pagsisinungaling nila at pagda-damage control nila,” Carlos said.
(There’s nothing wrong with what the sectors are showing – their dismay with the many errors in judgment of our leader. That is besides the continuous lying and damage control of the government.)
Recalling recent reports about Aquino’s knowledge of the operation, she said what “distresses” the public most are the piling up of lies.
“The stories are colliding. Lalo tayong nalilito (We’re becoming even more confused),” she added.
Nevertheless, Carlos said she believes Aquino is a good person. However, she said it’s not enough to be good and to fight corruption.
“We need somebody who is fairly intelligent, who has strategic vision for his country,” she said.
Shouldn’t endorse
Carlos said she doubts it that the President’s endorsement will help any presidential hopeful.
“I hope he doesn’t endorse anybody. I hope nobody endorses anybody because we don’t pay attention to endorsements, especially coming from people whose trust is warat-warat na (destroyed already),” she said.
At the same time, she hoped that the Aquino administration would use its remaining days to push for the passage of landmark laws.
She added that the Mamasapano incident should be probed by an independent body.
“It should be done by people who have no agenda coming in. It should be done following the cannons of research. It should be done not by the people who are involved,” Carlos explained. She said the PNP, which is heading the Board of Inquiry, should not be involved.