This is in reaction to the letter “Public officials should be open to criticism” (8/19/20).
Public figures are public property, hence they have no immunity with regard to what they say and do in the performance of their jobs. They are supposed to serve the public and not certain people with vested interests.
Like letter-sender Diosdado V. Calonge, we were flabbergasted at the manner by which Interior Secretary Eduardo Año reacted to criticisms of experts who obviously knew better. This is the same official who apparently wanted to rewrite Webster’s Dictionary by redefining the word “party” to suit his fellow Philippine Military Academy alumnus who violated the protocol when the latter celebrated his birthday.
Fortunately, not all PMA graduates, both retired and in active service, agree with these two.
Proof of this was the letter of retired Col. Leonardo O. Odoño (“PMA elder tells Sinas: Resign,” 5/26/20), who wrote that failure to castigate Sinas for his irresponsible action may “induce discordant voices among us,” and “which may have serious implications and consequences…”
Ramon Mayuga,ramon.mayuga49@gmail.com