Big blackeye EDITORIAL 08/25/2010

Big blackeye

EDITORIAL Click to enlarge 08/25/2010 Forget tourism in the country — not after the Philippines, more specifically, the nation’s capital, Manila, has earned a big blackeye not only in Hong Kong but in the world, after the bungling of police authorities of the hostage situation that left eight persons dead. Maybe government can also forget foreign investments, with the perception strengthened that even Manila is a most dangerous place, not just for tourists and expats, but also for business. Even worse is the portrait of a Philippine president who remained silent for hours on end, and long after the hostage situation ended in a carnage, along with the fact that Hong Kong Chief Executive Donald Tsang had openly complained that he had been unable to reach Noynoy Aquino all of yesterday, which was the time that the former policeman held the Hong Kong tourists hostage, and long after the carnage. It was only early Tuesday morning, shortly after midnight hours after the carnage that word was heard from Noynoy, expressing his “sorrow.” Why did it take that long for Noynoy Aquino, President of the Republic, to react? Why did he make himself unavailable to the Hong Kong leader at such a time when assurances from the highest Philippine official were essential? He could have proved himself to be a competent leader, giving full attention and direction to his officials in ensuring that the hostages are the prime consideration, given the crisis situation. Aquino claimed belatedly, that he did not come out immediately because he still waited for information from the ground. But he is President, and could have been informed every step of the way. The presidential explanation is lame... MORE Source:  The Daily Tribune URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/commentary/20100825com1.html

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