Noy slams Nobel boycott critics By Aytch S. de la Cruz and Michaela P. del Callar 12/14/2010

SAYS HE IS BOSS, NOT THE PEOPLE, IN MAKING DECISIONS FOR RP

Noy slams Nobel boycott critics

By Aytch S. de la Cruz and Michaela P. del Callar 12/14/2010

Forget his inaugural claim that the Filipinos are his boss. They aren’t and never were, as President Aquino yesterday made it clear that it is not the call of the people — referring to his critics who flailed him for bowing to China’s call for a boycott of the Nobel Peace Prize awards, which stemmed from the Nobel organizers giving jailed Chinese dissident Liu Xiaobao the Nobel prize — but his, as it is he who decides for the country — not the Filipino people.

Aquino yesterday blasted various human rights groups that keep criticizing his judgment to kowtow to China on the issue of the Nobel Peace Prize boycott, saying “it is not their call to make decisions” for the country but his.

Aquino reiterated that his move to boycott the is part of his administration’s efforts to repair the strained relations it had with China after the Aug. 23 hostage crisis in Manila and to spare the lives of five Filipinos that have been dealt the death sentence in Beijing for drug-related charges.

“My interest has to be first with the Filipinos. I think nobody will begrudge me if we consider other nationalities as (being a) secondary interest. I did swear to an oath to defend and safeguard all Filipinos everywhere. I prioritized the Philippines. If that is a sin then I am willing to commit that sin over and over again,” Aquino told reporters in a chance interview at Malacañang..... MORE

Source:  The Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/headlines/20101214hed1.html