The Aquino Presidency So Far

Pres. Noynoy Aquino is in office for a week. I say; so far, so good. Throngs of those who did not vote for the bachelor head of state has been endeared to him because of his humility, simplicity and incorruptibility.

Friends abroad expressed their surprise that P-Noy (Pres. Aquino) refuses his privilege to use siren to beat the traffic. Instead, just like any ordinary Filipino, he stops on reds at the risk of his life. I am not in favor of him doing that for his safety. I pray that Mary whom he has a great devotion to will keep him from any harm. The Aquino family has suffered too much in serving the country.

Newspapers say that he is very accommodating to the nosy press. In his first official press conference as president, he was very candid and direct to the point. Others who are concerned with the security of the country, me included, say that he is too “transparent” or open.

His young administration shows a will to close controversial issues of the Arroyo government through the creation of a Truth Commission that investigates corruption charges and other anomalies presumably done before he took office. On how successful is this, let’s give it a chance.

I should not fail to mention that since the President obeys traffic rules in an overpopulated city, he has been late in his appointments. He must do something with that and move on to change the so-called “Filipino time” into punctuality.

Another black eye of the infant Aquino administration is the early pesky relationship between the press and his cabinet. When Education Secretary Armin Luistro had an ambush interview, he turned grouchy. That prompted the Palace to require cabinet members and technocrats to undergo training on how to deal with the press.

Dealing with the press is not complicated. All they want to ask for is truth or facts aside from opinions --- nothing else.

Presidential sisters Pinky and Balsy left today for Hongkong. Immigration authorities in Manila offered to facilitate their exit but they refused special privilege. They preferred to toe the line, take off their shoes like the rest and undergo other security procedures before boarding their plane. The Aquino children have not changed. I first saw them in the limelight when their Dad Ninoy was murdered, they were humble and in low key. They are still are today.

At this early, P-Noy has a clear vision to make the country a better. He looks determined to fulfill all his campaign promises.

May he never change and may he have the wisdom and will to finally change the country for the better.

This we all hope and pray for fervently! -30-