Reacting to Sen. Juan Ponce Enrile’s statement on “failure of leadership” in the botched Mamasapano operation, Malacañang on Thursday said President Benigno Aquino III had always dealt with crisis situations with “integrity, dedication, and courage.”
“President Aquino has demonstrated integrity, dedication and courage in managing crisis situations,” Communications Secetary Herminio Coloma said in a press briefing.
“At ang taumbayan naman nagpakita ng pagtangkilik sa kanyang liderato sa pamamagitan ng overwhelming support noong 2013 national elections, at sa nakaraang lima’t kalahating taon, ‘yung consistently high performance, approval, at trust ratings ng mga mamayan,” he said.
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Enrile, who sought to resume the Senate hearings on the Mamasapano clash, scored Aquino’s supposed failure of leadership in paranoia in crisis situations like the 2010 Luneta fiasco and super typhoon Yolanda in 2012.
“I’m not about to be an adviser to a president but I would suggest to him to re-examine himself, and don’t be paranoid on imputing any motive against other people. Reflect on yourself, and assert your leadership,” Enrile told Radyo Inquirer 990AM.
Enrile also said he had no grudge against Aquino, adding that the President needed not to be present in the Senate hearings but must make some explanation regarding his participation in the botched police operation.
READ: A search for answers, says Enrile
Coloma also reiterated Malacañang’s openness to participate and cooperate in the resumption of the Mamasapano probe.
“Sa simula’t sapul, sa bawat pagkakataon ay naging bukas at hayag ang pamahalaan. Baka ‘yon ang mas mainam na pag-unawa doon sa ating posisyon at hindi ‘yung iisang pangungusap lamang,” Coloma said.
“Sa lahat ng pagkakataon ay nagpakita ng kahandaan at pagiging bukas at pagiging hayag. This administration has always been open and forthright in answering any and all questions regarding the Mamasapano incident,” he added.