Resignation in PH and elsewhere: A study in contrast

“After the developments during the past days and weeks I realized that my credibility has been diminished and that it is no longer possible for me to perform the job as president.”

These were the words of Dr. Christian Wulff who resigned on Feb. 17, 2012, as president of the Federal Republic of Germany, a purely ceremonial job.

Wulff has been the subject of criticisms after the media found out and exposed that he received favors from wealthy and influential friends when he was prime minister of the Federal State of Lower Saxony.

He denied the allegations of impropriety despite the growing number of allegations that were being aired in the powerful and influential German media. His popularity sank even deeper than that of the German Federal foreign minister who was forced to give up the leadership of his party and as vice Federal chancellor in the coalition government, and hence became the most unpopular politician here.

When the justice department said that it intended to apply for the removal of his immunity from being charged in court, Wulff resigned. Critics were relieved, saying that his resignation saved the country from the onus of what could be a lengthy trial.

Wulff confessed that he made mistakes but maintained that he has been upright. Wulff is the second president to resign in that country. His predecessor was forced to relinquish his job after making comments which were heavily criticized by the press.

This is Germany where leaders are sensitive to the voice of the people.

Why can this not happen in the Philippines? Why do many leaders in the Philippine government stick to their positions despite the numerous allegations of wrongdoing or involvement in humongous corrupt activities, despite the meteoric drop in popularity like Gloria Arroyo experienced when she was still president, and now Chief Justice Renato Corona?

Arroyo was the most distrusted president this country ever had and was at the bottommost in popularity when she was president, yet she did not resign. Corona is the most unpopular government official now and he has no intention of resigning.

—RAMON MAYUGA,

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