MANILA, Philippines — Senator Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito hit “stubborn” President Benigno Aquino III on Tuesday for continued refusal to apologize over the botched Mapapasapano operation.
“It seems that PNoy (Aquino’s nickname) has a hard time saying sorry for debacles caused by his administration. His pride is too high and is stubborn at times. Sen. (Serge) Osmeña is correct in saying that he is hardheaded,” Ejercito said in a text message to reporters.
He was referring to Osmeña’s radio interview over the weekend where he blasted Aquino for being hardheaded and for his refusal to take responsibility for the Mamasapano operation last January 25 that left 44 elite policemen dead.
“Masyadong mataas ang ihi hindi marunong humingi ng tawad. Sa halip na maghanap ng paraan paano ilusot si PNoy, mas makakabuti pa kung akuin ang Mamasapano debacle, humingi ng tawad,” said Ejercito.
(He has too much pride that he does not know how to ask for forgiveness. Instead of looking for ways how to evade accountability, it will be better for Aquino to own up the Mamasapano debacle and apologize.)
“Wala naman masama dahil maganda ang intension ng misyon, hulihin ang mga terorista. Bakit kinakailangang umiwas?” he further said.
(There’s nothing wrong with it because the mission’s intention was to arrest terrorists. Why does he need to avoid the issue?)
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