Aquino’s ‘quiet time’: Praying for ‘haters’

By: Nikko Dizon - 10 years ago

President Benigno Aquino III . INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

He may have to deal with a powerful typhoon as it rages toward Luzon but it is Holy Week and count on President Benigno Aquino III to spend a few moments of “quiet time” praying—not just for those threatened by the howler but also those who hate him.

Mr. Aquino expects to be in Metro Manila as the typhoon, internationally named “Maysak,” heads to the country’s biggest island but he will be thinking not just about Maysak’s possible victims.

Talking with reporters, Mr. Aquino indicated that his spiritual adviser, as well as other members of the religious community he had spoken to, had indicated to him the importance of reflection.

‘Intense hate’

“I was advised to have what is called quiet time,” the President said.

“So far, we haven’t had that quiet time. The headlines this morning do not induce one to have quiet moments. But at the end of the day, I think I will reflect,” the President said.

He added: “Don’t you think some quarters have this intense hate that they have continuously exhibited? I guess I’ll concentrate on praying for them.”

READ: Aquino to pray for those with ‘intense hate’ against him

Mr. Aquino said he would be either at the presidential residence or go to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) at Camp Aguinaldo to monitor Maysak’s movement, if needed.

Not able to rest

Earlier this week, presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said Mr. Aquino was not able to rest during the Holy Week because he had to convene Cabinet meetings to address the threat of the Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV).

The President has suffered his lowest public approval ratings, with only 14 months left in his administration.

READ: Pulse Asia: Aquino trust, approval ratings at their lowest after Mamasapano incident

He was swamped with a barrage of criticisms following the Mamasapano debacle on Jan. 25

—where 60 people, including 44 Special Action Force (SAF) troopers—were killed in clashes with Moro rebels in Maguindanao province.

The massacre also left the peace process with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front in tatters.