Netizens on Aquino walk-out: ‘Anyare?’
President Benigno Aquino III. FILE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines – Filipinos on Twitter likened President Benigno Aquino III to a “brat” or a “diva” after reading news that he allegedly walked out on a disaster briefing in Tacloban City following the devastation wrought by monster typhoon “Yolanda” (international name Haiyan).
Media reports said Aquino, who landed in Tacloban on Sunday morning, was frustrated by reports from the disaster risk reduction council and a comment from an unnamed businessman who urged him to declare a state of emergency amid an alleged spate of killings in the city. The businessman claimed he was held at gunpoint by a group of men.
Aquino, clearly irked by the claim, was quoted saying, “But you did not die, right?”
The President returned to the meeting, several minutes later, reports said.
Twitter user Marlon Buenaventura (@Ionbuen) likened the President to a child having a fit while Cheska Montes (@cheskamontes) asked, “Is it timely to be a brat?”
“Mr. President is acting like a kid! Our kababayans need your help, walkout is not a help!” wrote Kers Regis (@KerwinRegis).
Paula Sabrine (@sprocketscience), on the other hand quipped, “Because we’re mature like that.”
Filipino netizens pointed out that the government should instead focus on relief and rescue efforts.
“This is not the time for drama,” Daffy May Jonson (@daffymayj) pointed out.
Raymond Roque (@emonroque), on the other hand, called the President a “diva.”
A certain Street Lawyer (@Bahala_Na) posted on his account, “BS Aquino – A leader that walks out on his people in times of calamity.”
Ran Ni Yel (@rhanbaldago) also questioned the Aquino’s decision to walk-out, saying it does nothing to help the victims of the storm.
“Ang arti. More drama = nothing will happen,” wrote Nadeshya (@valilanadeshya).
One Twitter user Drei (@_drei) said, “President Noynoy walks out of typhoon rescue briefing. Always about his personal feelings & sentiments as usual, noh?”
Many were surprised while others were confused with the news.
Some said it was understandable because of the extent of damage wrought on the province by the super typhoon while others could not believe that the President walked out on the briefing.
“Anyare? (What happened?),” said Mikey Cabotage (@mikecabotage_)
“Again, media, controlling our minds. Is this what really happened?” asked Neil Marion dela Cruz (@neilmarion).
“Justified,” Rosa Tenorio (@rosa6384) said.
Others joked that Aquino probably went out for a “yosi (cigarette) break.”
Many were offended by his alleged comment to the businessman.
“Wow, what an insult,” Anakbayan chairperson Vencer Crisostomo (@venzie) said.
Meanwhile, former University of the Philippines student regent Cleve Arguelles (@clevearguelles) turned to sarcasm and said, “Nanisi noong una tapos walkout naman? That’s my President!”
“I need a President with a heart. Please. Aquino: But you did not die right? ***to a man held at gunpoint,” wrote Sandra Borgueta (sjborgueta).
Some netizens also said the incident reflected on Aquino’s performance as president.
College student Matt Fojas (@maaaatt123) said the “action says it all” and “we need a new president.”
“If he can’t take this, maybe he should also walk out of Palace seat,” Carlos Maningat (@jcmaningat) said.
“Yes, set a ‘good’ example for your subordinates in the Executive Branch to follow,” wrote A Lemuel Lim (@lem777).
“‘But you did not die, right?’ – Aquino.Gusto mo ma-People Power?” a dismayed Inah Espinola (@inahwatsitooya) asked.
Aquino was in the city to distribute relief goods and get information from local officials and Cabinet secretaries earlier deployed to Leyte.
At least 118 bodies were recovered in Leyte, 72 of which were found in Tacloban City which has been described as a scene of “total devastation.”
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