Palace belies bishop’s accusations against Aquino

President Benigno Aquino III. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines – Malacañang on Saturday shrugged off criticism dished out by Manila Auxiliary Bishop Broderick Pabillo.

Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte said over state-run radio, “I work with the President and I get to see the issues that he deals with—not just the ones that are highlighted in media. So I don’t know where Bishop Pabillo got the idea that he was just focused on the Mamasapano incident.”

Valte said those who work closely with Aquino know that the President also addresses other issues.

READ: Bishop hits Aquino’s ‘lame-duck leadership’

Pabillo earlier told media that Aquino seems to have become fixated on the botched Mamasapano operation, which left 67 Filipinos dead. The incident not only put the peace process with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in jeopardy, it has also resulted in the President’s record-low approval and trust ratings.

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

Pabillo referred to Aquino’s leadership as a “lame duck.”

“He is losing influence … Filipinos no longer believe him,” he said.

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