Amidst the impeachment and resignation calls for President Aquino, University of Santo Tomas (UST) professors find youth involvement good, however “impulsively reacting” concerning the issue.
“I don’t think the president will resign.” History professor Anita Garcia asserted despite the strong turmoil for resignation or impeachment of President Benigno S. Aquino III. She stated that she would like to give him the benefit of the doubt.
“We should not think of anything that will seriously rot our political system, no matter what our perceptions of PNoy. I think we should learn to look back.” Garcia added.
A number of professors find this reacting impulsively about the situation. There are a lot of legalities concerning the issue when the masses continued the clamor against the president.
“Kung ipagpapatuloy natin ang pagreresign ni PNoy, sino ang papalit? It is according to our constitution that when the president resigns, the vice president will automatically assume the position. Pero, okay lang ba sa inyo na si Binay ang papalit sa kanya?” Assistant Professor Jose Tolentino Olivar II explained.
Apparently it was seconded by Professor Aldous Baccay commenting that, “We always choose the lesser of the two evils kasi eh. Lagi na lang tayong namimili kung sino mas hindi corrupt.”
He explained that the habit of Filipinos is to vote for candidates with promising platforms during that time duration, not those who had the credibility and capability to lead the country. People vote “popularity wise” he said.
Professor of sociology Girly Constantino added that as youth, it is a good thing that students are critical on the inner workings of the government, but they should also think of the consequences of their acts such as their protests.
“I think we must allow President Aquino finish his term first and see what will happen next. I think we allow peace [to continue]. We should give it a chance.” Garcia concluded, considering the aspects of calls for the president’s resignation.
Garcia and Constantino agreed that the president should just finish his term, instead of resigning, due to inconvenience of the legal process. Rather than undergoing tedious legal processes, the continuation of his term is much convenient and practical.
Garcia, Olivar, Baccay and Constantino acknowledged the youth’s political involvement in such calls for the president’s resignation.
“It is good that students are aware sa mga nangyayaring ganito sa government. Pero, you should focus on your studies. Okay na muna yung awareness. Let adults deal with adult issues.” Olivar claimed.
“Partly, I would say that the student’s political involvement is good. It is important, especially tayo na ang susunod na leaders ng bansa. Be it a good or bad feedback, it still counts.” Sushmita Araga, Youth For Christ-Faulty of Arts and Letters President (YFC-AB) said.
“There should be responsible journalism anywhere. Not just hang on to what is sensational or create something so that it will become sensational news. There should be more responsibility among media practitioners.” Garcia remarked, commenting on how media portrays this kind of situation.
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