It’s a rare event when the broadsheets carry almost identical headlines.
This is one such day with the national dailies all reporting that former president Cory Aquino “apologized” to former president Erap Estrada over her role in his ouster in 2001.
Mr. Estrada calls Mrs. Aquino’s gesture “the best Christmas gift and a vindication.”
Early this morning, however, President Cory’s spokesperson, Ms. Deedee Sytangco told DZMM radio anchors Anthony Taberna and Gerry Baja that the apology “was made in jest” by Mrs. Aquino as she was reacting extemporaneously to the prepared remarks Mr. Estrada gave during the launching of the biography of former Speaker Jose De Venecia.
“She said sorry in the spirit of levity of the occasion,” Sytangco said, carefully putting the ‘apology’ in context.
The seeming retraction was cleared up when the actual recorded remark of the former lady president was replayed.
She said clearly that she was “among those who feel guilty about their role in EDSA Dos and I hope you can forgive me,” directly addressing Estrada.”
The headline-making statement speaks for itself, minus the interpretative paraphrase in news accounts quoting Aquino as having called Erap’s ouster “a mistake.”
Interviewed separately also by Taberna and Baja, Press Secretary Jesus Dureza said “nothing much should be made of President Cory’s statement other than it being an act of reconciliation with Mr. Estrada in the same way that President Arroyo “made the ultimate gesture of granting Estrada pardon for his conviction on plunder charges.”
This episode will be the topic of discussions over the Christmas holidays.
Methinks the net-net value will accrue to Erap: bolstering his resolve to fully vindicate himself by running for president if and when the scheduled 2010 elections take place.
Trademark Philippine politics in play: no permanent enemies, just permanent interests.
Popularity: 1% [?]
Looks like Ms. Sytangco and Mr. Dureza are trying to spin what I think is a genuine apology from Mrs. Aquino. Made in jest? Mrs. Aquino I believe is at a point in her life wherein politics holds no appeal for her. She was sorry for her part in the coup against Erap and said so.
Each to his own spin. Sad that Cory in the twilight of her life appears to be clutching at straws in making the “exteMporaneous” apology.
True it was a coup that removed Erap from power.
People power or not, he got what he deserved. What is galling I think is the pardon extended to him by a discredited leader seeking only to survive her own day of reckoning which though postponed will eventually come.
If Erap wins in 2010 with an unedeniable mandate of the people (like last time), I wonder how all those self righteous bloggers like mlq are gonna feel?
Another black and white movement? More impeachment agendas against the new president?
Frankly, a part of me wishes that Erap wins so you God Damned idiots finally get it.
The problem lies not in the leaders–its the people stupid!
Mrs Aquino should have made the apology in private.
doesn’t matter if it was done privately or not. they are all public figures anyways. the subject likewise is a matter of paramount public interest.
made in jest? baloney. she only proves that what she has been doing was pakitang-tao, nothing more, nothing less.
btw, erap, cory and de venecia? what strange bedfellows! well, i guess it’s more like birds of the same feather.
Ohh? Who said that – rare event that broadsheets carry identical headlines?
Besides, people have better things to discuss over the Christmas holidays than on that so-called apology Cory did make.
What does that word ‘net-net value’ value, please tell?
Karl,
Your “Who said that – rare event that broadsheets carry identical headlines?
Besides, people have better things to discuss over the Christmas holidays than on that so-called apology Cory did make.”
FYI, I track all the dailies as part cof work I do. If you care to… check the headlines on that day. “better things to discuss”? Hmm me wonder… YOu DECIDE what issues to discuss? Since when were you anointed news ‘minder’ here at FV? Merry Christmas, dude. BTW why don’t you join this collective? We welcome you. :)