Benigno Aquino III glad Cory can’t see state of Philippines

MANILA, Philippines — Former president Benigno Aquino III misses his mother Corazon “Cory” Aquino but is glad she is no longer around to see what has happened to the Philippines.

Aquino earlier questioned the timing of Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s installation as Speaker of the House of Representatives, noting there is nothing much she can do in terms of legislation since Congress will go on recess this month, then in October, November, December, January and then in February until May for the 2019 elections.

“Does that mean everything is impossible? Hindi. ‘Yung paspasan ‘yung sagasaan, words coming to mind, sana hindi ganun, sana we proceed in an orderly manner to discuss the merits or demerits of the proposed Charter change (Cha-cha),” Aquino said in an interview with reporters during the commemoration of the ninth death anniversary of his mother Cory, former president and democracy icon, at the Manila Memorial Park in Parañaque City.

He said Cha-cha must “be truly reflective of the people’s will as opposed to what a sector of the country wants” amid talks on federalism and even no-elections or no-el.

Arroyo’s return to power has fueled speculations about the government’s real plans with regard to Cha-cha and the shift to federalism.

Arroyo herself has been pushing for constitutional amendments and change of the system of government since she was president but failed.

Aquino also said the ouster of Davao del Norte Rep. Pantaleon Alvarez could have been done earlier or after President Duterte’s constitutionally mandated State of the Nation Address because the power struggle seen by the public last July 23 gave a semblance of disorder in the country.

“Given the problems that we have, it does not seem appropriate,” Aquino said.

But Aquino said it was good to give people “clarity” on the “true colors” of politicians, as Arroyo was seen establishing alliances with the Marcoses and others accused of corruption and other wrongdoings in the past.

This way, Aquino said the people will be able to choose “which viewpoint, which ideology, which direction do we want to go to?”

“At the end of the day, it’s the people who decide where we will all go to,” Aquino said.

Missing Cory

Aquino said they are missing their mother, foremost because she was their source of continuity and support.

“Siyempre (she was the mother), nourishing, she was really the partner of our dad, especially when martial law came about, she became mother and father to all of us,” Aquino said.

“Of course we miss her but in a sense siguro we are glad din that she doesn’t happen to see what’s happening to our beloved country these days,” he said.

Fair treatment

Aquino likewise expressed hopes that new Ombudsman Samuel Martires will be fair in handling the cases filed against him before the anti-graft body.

“One can always hope and we hope that that is the case,” Aquino said.

In the case of the Disbursement Acceleration Program (DAP), Aquino said he was absolved by the ombudsman only to be charged later on for usurpation of legislative powers using the same evidence and arguments.

Aquino also noted he received a recent decision from the Supreme Court dismissing a case filed against him in connection with his appointment of Lina Sarmiento as Human Rights Victims’ Claims Board chair.

Aquino said he and his lawyers did not receive any information about the complaint and was not asked about it so he could reply and be given due process. The SC said the issue was already moot and academic. - Ghio Ong