Netizens seethe over Aquino’s ‘sacrifice’ message

Catholic faithful in Binondo and Quiapo walked through the last moments of Jesus’ life to renew their faith on Maundy Thursday. Video by INQUIRER.net’s Ryan Leagogo

MANILA, Philippines—It’s Maundy Thursday but the netizens are not so forgiving.

A flurry of angry reactions from netizens set the social media seething Thursday afternoon following the Lenten message of President Benigno Aquino III urging Filipinos to be willing to make their own sacrifices just like Jesus Christ did.

Netizens did not shy away from talking about Aquino’s speech.

Many believed his message was “adding insult to injury.”

President Benigno Aquino III. FILE PHOTO

On INQUIRER.net’s official Facebook page, netizens expressed their dismay over Aquino’s remarks.

“Sacrifice for what and for whom? How could this be when you see, hear, and observe our elected officials who are very lavish and extravagant in their family lifestyle and live beyond their means? Then they want to tell us to sacrifice? You have not tasted the bitterest of how to be the poorest of the poor,” Pedro Alas Plaza said.

“All ordinary Filipinos have been sacrificing for a long period of time while the government officials are happy enjoying their loot and bonuses,” Nest Reyes said.

“Clearly, this man knows nothing about sacrifice and what most of his people are going through every day,” Arlenkali Fuentes said.

Bong Sullano, in a lengthy Facebook comment said the public has long been sacrificing for lack of energy, inefficient transportation system, lack of infrastructures, unemployment, and corruption in government among others.

“How can this President afford to tell his bosses to sacrifice more than what they are sacrificing now?” Sullano said.

Sammy Faith Asuncion believed that the people made so many sacrifices already citing that “this time around, the government officials should do the sacrifice.”

Another netizen, Benjie Flor Fabio Madulin, said government officials should start to make sacrifice and only then the people would follow.

Vic Eustaquio Plaza, meanwhile, challenged Aquino and other government officials to ride the Metro Rail Transit and the Light Rail Transit to know the real meaning of sacrifice.

Paulino Elverio said the Aquino administration failed to deliver its promise of “Daang Matuwid” (right path).

“You made us believed that in your presidency, the lives of the Filipino people will improve,” Elverio said.

Evan Uy said, “I hope and pray that politicians repent from their sins and do their sacrifices for the welfare of others, especially those who are in need and not the need of their pockets.

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