By Amado P. Macasaet
Malacañang should have realized earlier the cruel reality that the declaration of President Aquino he is open to a second term and he wants Congress to clip the powers of the Supreme Court is a big blow to the economy which is showing signs of contraction after four years of expansion.
Historically, business delays long-term plans as a President’s term nears its end. It assesses the capabilities of the next leader they do not exactly know who although Vice President Jejomar Binay appears to be leading the pack based on popularity and acceptance ratings.
The fact the last survey shows the President’s rating plummeting almost headlong is a problem that clearly translates into the erosion of trust in his leadership. Instead of trying to convince the constituency that he will be the same Simeon Benigno Cojuangco Aquino that he was at the beginning of his term, elected not exactly on perception of capabilities but rather on the memory of his mother who passed away just in time for people to reward her with the election of her son.
The sad part is Noynoy made it appear he could be her successor in firmness on the right and dedication to duty.
The President appears to be intoxicated with power brought to him by the death of his mother.
It is true however, his accomplishments brought him closer to the hearts of his people as far as economic growth is concerned. However, that growth has not filtered down to the poor who elect the President.
The president said the people are his bosses. Not exactly true. The President is his own boss. He does not listen to his advisers who are too feeble-minded to threaten the President with resignation. The President does what he wants to do without getting a feel of the effects of his decision on his “bosses.”
Malacañang is in utter confusion. It cannot get its act together. After waging a losing war with the Supreme Court, the President said he is open to a second term. The declaration of that intent was accompanied by a statement saying he wants to ask Congress to clip the powers of the Supreme Court.
Amending the constitution for his own political benefit is not remotely related to his wishes to curb the powers of the Supreme Court. He is clearly trying to settle a score with the High Tribunal for declaring the Disbursement Acceleration Program as unconstitutional.
His intention, apart from dressing his wounds inflicted by the Court, may well be to divert people’s attention from the political malaise that historically happens towards the end of the term of a president.
He only succeeded in promoting it instead of staying away to minimize the perception of him as a lame duck. As explained by his press secretary the President is staying away from the subject of politics for the noble reason he wants to spend the rest of his term pursuing the goals he started and succeeded in doing.
Not a week later, the President declared in Malacañang he is open to a second term and at the same time wants Congress to clip the powers of the Supreme Court. The twin statements are manifestations of hunger for power, lack of firmness and worst, vindictiveness against the Court.
He must have known or at least have been told but did not listen the economy is showing a contraction mode. His effort should be concentrated on how he could arrest or minimize the effects of such contraction for the benefit of his bosses, the great mass of voters and the rest of the people who trusted him.
By his own design, he alienated himself from their trust and affection. This is clearly indicated by the survey that shows his rating has come down sharply.
It should not take a genius to appreciate the fact that business invariably tracks the behavior of the President in plotting their paths to growth.
The investors depend more heavily on business climate created by an effective leader than on laws passed to help them.
The President destroyed the climate he built at the wrong time. In fact there is no right time to disturb a climate that makes the economy grow. The President must make sure the climate is kept at all costs but not for his personal political benefit.
His press secretary declared the time left of the President’s term should be devoted to the implementation of his program of development. How can we if he is thinking of getting a second term? All his moves and plans will be calculated towards re-election. He would not care about their effects on the economy.
There is confusion all over Malacañang. Press secretary Herminio Sonny Coloma said the President will feel the pulse of the people in nearly everything he does, particularly in his desire for a second term.
If the President cannot feel the pulse of the people from the result of the most recent survey, he is deluding himself. In fairness, however, as repeatedly asserted on this space, a President becomes unpopular towards the end of his term. His political enemies throw the kitchen sink at him, something they would not do in the beginning or in the middle of a widely accepted President like Noynoy Aquino.
Not having the ability to learn the lesson of politics towards the end of his term, Mr. Aquino plunged into an abyss. He seems to have an instinct for self destruction. Nothing makes the political opposition happier.
Mr. Aquino’s rating would sink deeper if he seeks a second term. It is not a question of winning or losing the next election.
It is purely a matter of self-interest made in the name of the people, his bosses. He knows he is the sole beneficiary.
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