Amando Doronila’S June 30 column is not only incredible, it simply flies in the face of reality.
To posit that President Aquino’s endorsement of Mar Roxas may be a kiss of death is just utterly bereft of truth. Doronila seems to be unwilling to acknowledge that this administration still enjoys remarkable popular support, despite the fact that it is at the latter part of its term.
The people, notwithstanding some discontents, know that this government must be credited for our robust economic growth, our investment grade rating by the most credible international agencies, the passage of the Reproductive Health Law, the promise of long-lasting peace in Mindanao with the signing of the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro, and its quest to bring to justice corrupt government officials who robbed our national coffers. As citizens, we are happy to see that the justice system is finally moving to hold these “honorable” officials accountable. These are on top of its firm foreign policy on the West Philippine Sea, the resolve to improve the educational system through the K-to-12, the rolling out of infrastructure projects and, most importantly, the sense of hope that it is able to impart to Filipinos—that we can get “there” someday if these gains continue to persist.
True, this administration is far from perfect, and I have seen disappointments such as the unrelenting MRT commute nightmare and stressful traffic conditions in Metro Manila, high crime rates, and the disappointing government response to Supertyphoon “Yolanda” (not to mention even P-Noy’s decision to not declare Nora Aunor as a national artist! I am no Noranian, but one would be absurd to not acknowledge her contributions to Philippine Art!).
Equally true is the lackluster performance of Roxas as interior secretary, or even when he was still transportation secretary. He also seems to have neither the charisma nor the management skills to be the next president. But his slimmest chance of beating Vice President Jejomar Binay is to have P-Noy’s endorsement and to promise to continue this administration’s gains. Otherwise, he stands no chance at all. It might not be a silver bullet, but it greatly increases the odds of him winning.
Surely, even the likes of Doronila must recognize these facts, and not be clouded by their never-ending desire to only just point out the weaknesses of this administration?
—DINO DE LEON,
dino.deleon@gmail.com