by Atty. Julius Gregory B. Delgado
THE UNTIMELY DEMISE OF PNOY: A REFLECTION
Despite all the negative propaganda against him, a grateful Filipino nation showered the late President, Benigno Simeon “Noynoy” Aquino III, with praises after learning that he already passed away. It is ironic, however, that he was only remembered, thanked, and elevated into a high pedestal after he died of renal failure. But it is not surprising that his story ended this way. After his Presidency, he led a quiet and very private life. While he offered his thoughts on some issues, he spent his last years with his family, i.e., siblings and nephews/nieces. In fact, when he breathed his last, he peacefully left the world in a La-Z-Boy.
He died in a furniture associated with chill, easy time, and extended relaxation. But as tributes started to flood the social media world, he was not the lazy, cavalier, and lackadaisical President that his detractors, critiques, and naysayers wanted to portray him. Several technocrats and public servants who have worked with him sing the same tune, i.e., he studied, he was prepared, and he was incisive during Cabinet meetings and cluster brainstorming sessions. While not being a lawyer, he had with him always the 1987 Philippine Constitution like a priest’s bible.
I campaigned very hard for him being one of the convenors of the Aquino-Roxas Bantay Balota (“ARBB”)-Bohol Chapter. More than a decade ago, we organized symposia, voters’ education seminars, caravans, and even house-to-house campaigns. We were victorious only to be hounded by one issue after another. Even if I was a staunch supporter, I was also critical of many of his policies and decisions. But summing his six (6) years in office, I can easily give him a grade of not less than 85 for salvaging our economy and sending corrupt politicians to jail.
While beset with criticisms of inefficiency and ineffectiveness, revolving around Yolanda, SAF 44, etc., it cannot be denied that he served our nation with utmost dedication, honesty, dignity, and courage. His death was again marred and tainted by the great divide that still grips the nation, i.e., DDS vs. Dilawan paradigm. One supporter quipped, “Every time the nation needs a saving, an Aquino needs to die.” On the other camp, one said that “Who will they push to run, Kris?” concluding that it is not the same as in 2009 when Cory died which catapulted PNoy to the Presidency.
But certainly, the untimely demise of PNoy will have an impact in next year’s election. The nation will be in a collective soul-searching and reflection anchored on the virtue of servant leadership that PNoy exemplified when he was still in office. It need not be an Aquino, it need not even be a popular incumbent politician, but it can be anyone of us, it should be all of us. I distinctly recall that months leading to the 2010 Elections, the theme was, every Filipino is Ninoy, the late father of PNoy. “I am Ninoy”, a campaign shirt read at that time. Inspired by his simplicity, integrity and courage, everyone of us can become PNoy. Each one of us should be PNoy. We are PNoy.