Defiant BSA

“For fools rush in where angels

fear to tread.” — Alexander Pope

SINCE EDSA I, it has been noted that every Philippine President had at least once experienced a political crisis that had threatened the stability of the presidency.

Whether the crisis eventually resulted in ousting a President, or coup attempts, or calls for resignation, no president has been spared, whether it be for plunder, corruption, Flor Contemplacion, or attempted rebellion, from the crisis of confidence.

The Mamasapano tragedy is the most serious political crisis of Pres. Benigno Noynoy Aquino which is not only dividing the country but has also irreparably damaged the credibility and integrity of the President.

Pres. Benigno Aquino is clearly responsible and culpable for the Mamasapano massacre and fiasco.

Examples elsewhere have shown that lesser blunders have resulted in greater reprisals and punishment.

For example, with his penchant for wiretapping and clumsy break- in at the Democratic Party headquarters in the Watergate compound, President Richard “Tricky Dick” Nixon had ultimately the choice of being impeached or to resign. Pres. Nixon opted to resign.

In the case of President Bill Clinton, a small stain or smudge on the blue uniform of White House intern Monica Lewinsky which turned out to be Bill’s semen drove Pres. Bill Clinton to the brink of impeachment.

Hence, presidents and prime ministers had been driven out of office for causes less grievous than the mass carnage of 44 SAF commandos.

Thus, what to do with Pres. Noy Aquino who blatantly insists on his innocence and blamelessness for the Mamasapano massacre?

Notwithstanding attempts by his spokespersons, generals, cabinet officials, and congressional allies to defend and cover up for Pres. Aquino, the Filipino people have concluded that the President is culpable for the Mamasapano tragedy when he broke the chain of command.

Truth to tell, the people are bored and weary of Pres. Aquino’s oratory, and the soldiers are dismayed and demoralized.

On the other hand, Pres. Noynoy Simeon Aquino, though chastened and politically disabled, remains defiant and stubborn as he continues to be supported by the business class and oligarchy that Mr. Aquino has unwittingly strengthened and reinforced by his ambivalence and non-interference.

With the support of the business sector and yellow media, Pres. Benigno Noynoy Aquino has remained defiant and determined to finish his term in 2016 with a flourish, although pervasive corruption, deceit, and injustice could further erode people’s faith in the government.

It has been opined that were it not for Pres. Aquino’s perceived honesty, which is not to be equated with competence and truthfulness, the Mamasapano massacre and national anguish and outrage would be sufficient reasons to force Pres. Aquino to step down without having to wait for 2016.

The tipping point for Pres. Benigno Aquino will be the handling of the BBL and the Peace Agreement.

You be the judge.