NO LIMITATIONS: Bongbong attempts to manipulate Aquino on Marcos' hero burial

A recent news article appeared in The Philippine Star titled: "Bongbong hails P-Noy's move to let public decide on FM burial." This news article of Bongbong lauding President Aquino who supposedly has allowed the public to decide on his father's hero burial appears to be a subtle attempt to manipulate and pressure Aquino into allowing surveys to determine this important issue.

What is not subtle is the blatant disrespect on the part of Bongbong for Aquino's intelligence and strength of character. He also maliciously misleads the public by claiming na pumayag na daw si Aquino na ang publiko ang magiging taga desisyon kung ililibing na bayani o hindi ang nasirang diktador.

Ang totoo ay wala namang sinabi si Presidente Aquino na pumayag na siya. Ang hirap talaga dito sa mga Marcos, sanay na sanay na magsinugaling sa mga Pilipino dahil madalas nakakalusot ang kanilang mga kasinugalingan. Kaya lang nga, mabuti na rin kay PNoy na ipakita agad na hindi siya uto-uto at magpapagago sa mga Marcos at madaling makuha sa kunting himas. Sabihin niya agad ang totoo: Hindi totoo na pumayag siya na
ang publiko ang magsasabi kung ililibing na bayani o hindi si Marcos.

And then. he should already declare to the world as soon as possible that Marcos is no hero and that he, as President, owes it to the Filipino people - not to allow him to be buried as one - now and for all time. That is, if in fact he is still on the side of what is right.

Many will be disappointed if Aquino betrays his commitment to moral leadership - but surprised? Probably not. So many of our leaders from whom we expected so much have betrayed us in the past like the previous president and others. We will no longer be shocked if Aquino turns out to be the same.

It is conceivable that rather than bump heads with the wealthy and the powerful and do what's right for the people, which is what his father did - and as a result was imprisoned and murdered - he might have just assumed the attitude that its smarter to accommodate - and take the money and run. I just hope for the sake of his soul and the country that this is not the case.
Bongbong appears confident that with the unlimited funding and other resources they utilized in this Libingan campaign, including mercenary journalists and accommodating opportunistic politicians - they easily were able to manipulate the survey results and would come out winner.
The Star article reported "Marcos said Vice-President Binay has already informed his family of the results of the nationwide consultation and they are anxiously waiting for the report."

Strange statement. Binay already informed the Marcoses of the result and they are still anxious to see the report? Does that mean they don't trust Binay's word and that they are still waiting anxiously for his written report to confirm that they won?

Or is Bongbong engaged here in mind games? Condition the public's mind to believe that Aquino had already given his word on this issue and that it will be decided by the public so that if Aquino or Binay later decides that it is to the best interest of the Filipino people for the late dictator not to be buried as a hero at Libingan notwithstanding the surveys - the Marcoses and their followers will claim that they reneged on their word. They will then call Aquino and/or Binay as liars and insist on Marcos' hero burial.

Where does Aquino go from here?
He can't go wrong if he listens to his conscience, be brave and stick to what is true. The whole world knows Marcos is no hero. Let's say seven thousand out of ten thousand respondents in a questionable survey - wants him buried as a hero. No, let's make that seven hundred thousand out of a million respondents - and let's even assume the survey is not questionable - would that convert a lie into truth?

The issue of whether or not a hero's burial should be given to a tyrant who caused so much suffering to his people - is essentially a moral issue. It is not a question that a true moral leader abstains from like a Pontius Pilate who knew Jesus to be innocent yet allowed the mindless majority to crucify Him. This is Aquino's defining moment. Will he allow the unthinking majority to crucify our hopes and dreams of a better Philippines?

Note: The California State Bar honors Atty. Ted Laguatan as one of the best lawyers in the US. He is one of only 29 US lawyers officially certified continuously for more than 20 years as an Expert Specialist in Immigration Law. He also does accident injuries, wrongful death and complex litigation. For communications (San Francisco area): 455 Hickey Blvd. Ste. 516, Daly City, Ca 94015 tel 650 991 1154 fax 650 991 1186 email laguatanlaw@gmail.com