Criticism comes with public office

This refers to the article titled “President Aquino’s X’mas wish: No more pointless criticism.”

(Inquirer, 11/5/11)

Mr. Aquino should be reminded that criticism is part and parcel of his job. Criticism goes with his position and it has always been “damned if you do and damned if you don’t” for all presidents (past, present and future).

He shouldn’t be too onion-skinned with criticism, whether it’s valid or pointless. He should just do his job, because if he wastes his energy in deflecting and reacting to all the brickbats, then he will not be able to fulfill the tasks that have been entrusted to him by the Filipino people when they voted him president.

However, if he feels he cannot handle these criticisms—he always has a choice: shape up or ship out. As the saying goes, “if you cannot stand the heat, get out of the kitchen.”

—MONSI SERRANO,

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