THE SO-called political honeymoon period of President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino is not yet over, but critics have already emerged and shared their opinions on his performance.
As a political consciousness advocacy, The Assembly held a forum entitled, “Politalk: back to basics”, that aimed to review the first 100 days of President Aquino.
Several guest speakers including Senator Aquilino Pimentel, Manuel L. Quezon III’s Secretary Reggie Tongol, and Akbayan Officer Francis Isaac were in attendance to share their thoughts.
Staying true to the title of the forum, the speakers presented to the audience several basic points with regard to good governance, on top of their constructive criticisms aimed at President Aquino, and their reminders for the students who attended.
Tongol told everyone that the responsibility of looking after the country does not rest on the shoulders of the president alone, and that everyone’s active participation is highly needed as well.
“You have to remember that what you [Filipinos] do matters. [Aquino] can’t do it alone,” he said.
The forum was held last September 27 at the Leong Hall Roofdeck.
Back to basics
According to Senator Pimentel, producing solutions to the longstanding problems of the country requires the country’s citizens to realize their democratic responsibilities. He said that it is the responsibility of the people to thoroughly monitor the government.
Isaac’s presentation supplemented Senator Pimentel’s reminder and pointed out the necessity for a give and take kind of relationship of the government and the people. Isaac said that a government can only maintain public order if the “people can take part in political affairs” and the government in return “can deliver basic services to its people.”
For Isaac, the previous governments were unsuccessful in ensuring the happiness of the people, and said that it was only appropriate that transformational leadership, “the heart of President Aquino’s platform,” is evidently found in the intentions of the current administration.
Tongol agreed with this and called for the people’s sympathy and patience. “In one or two year’s time, you will see the improvements [made by the government]. Let’s be sympathetic and be patient with the government,” he said.
“The administration still has something promising to offer. Time is needed for the government to repair the damage made by democratic institutions,” Isaac concurred.
Too early to judge
Still at the dawn of his presidency, Aquino is already facing difficult predicaments, but some students who attended the forum are optimistic that he will fulfill his promises and move the country forward. Thus, they say that he shouldn’t be judged just yet.
“I believe [President Aquino] will reach his full potential in time. He is still adjusting to the expectations of the masses and this obviously takes time,” said freshman Iggy San Pablo.
Ateneo Task Force 2010 Head Kenneth Abante also shared his optimism. “The team that President Aquino assembled is a competent one. I have faith in their capacity and I believe that there will be moral ascendancy on the part of the administration,” he said.
Although acknowledging that participation may be limited for students, Abante believes that no one is too young to contribute and be involved in the country’s collective responsibilities.
“As students, we can engage government structures by volunteering and being part of social activities. Before being judgmental [of the administration], we should get a sense of reality first and don’t avoid any opportunities to be positively active in society,” Abante said.
“Simple actions can make a huge difference. If I could be more aware of my actions, don’t slack off in school, then perhaps I wouldn’t develop any negative traits that could eventually evolve into something destructive like corruption,” said San Pablo.
Tongol agreed and said in his concluding remarks that it is time for the public sphere to be appreciated and included in political discourses such as this.
