Mockery of public demands and expectations
While all Cabinet members serve at the pleasure of the president, the spirit of the law naturally demands that they deserve the people’s trust. While it is the prerogative of President Aquino to decide on a puny resignation such as Budget Secretary Florencio Abad’s, its exercise must take into serious account the overwhelming Supreme Court decision and the public good.
To defend a bad move is not only highly subjective, incorrigible and remorseless; it is also a preemptive act to divert his own accountability as an ardent author of the Disbursement Acceleration Program. It displeases and mocks the public demanding at least delicadeza and sensitivity, if not accountability from public officers, because still public interest must prevail over self-righteous hosannahs over a bad thing that blew up.
—EDRE U. OLALIA, secretary general,
National Union of Peoples’ Lawyers,
