Senators on Aquino’s new defense on Mamasapano: What else is new?

Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA,  Philippines — Senators  taunted  President Benigno  Aquino III on Monday  for his latest defense  on  the January 25  Mamasapano operation, saying there was nothing  new  with  his statements  passing the blame  on others but himself.

“(There is) nothing new there. (Aquino) still says everybody’s fault  but  his own,” Senator  Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos  Jr.   said in a text message.

“After this, the  people will despair of ever learning  the  whole  truth,”  Marcos added.

Aquino  said  over the weekend that  his   fault  in the  botched Mamasapano operation that left 44 elite policemen dead was that  he  trusted certain people, apparently  referring to resigned Police Chief  Director  General Alan Purisima, and sacked Special Action  Force  head, Director  Getulio Napeñas.

But Acting  Minority Leader Vicente “Tito” Sotto III said, “The mistakes of Purisima and  Napeñas  are forgone conclusions as manifested  by the President.”

“What we should focus on also is what transpired from 7am to 6pm? Why was there no help?”  Sotto said  in a separate  text message, referring to that fateful day  of January  25.

Senator  Francis “Chiz” Escudero said  he has not yet  read  Aquino’s latest statements  but said that based on what he heard,  it was  just  an “amplification” of what  he had already said about his knowledge in the operation.

Escudero though believe that in the coming days, the President will continue to issue  statements   to explain what really happened that time.

Asked  if it was sufficient to satisfy those calling for  Aquino to say sorry for the  botched operation,  the senator said: “Papunta  na yata dun sa tingin ko. Pagkakataon na lang siguro para mapakinggan sya ng ating mga kababayan. Sana huwag  isara ng ating kababayan  yung kanilang isip kaugnay sa mga  salitang binibitiwan or bibitiwan ni Pangulong  Aquino.”

Escudero, an administration ally,  is chairman of the Senate  committee on finance, one of three committees that investigated the Mamasapano operation.

He  reiterated  that an apology  should be given  voluntarily  and should not be imposed on  anyone.

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