Aquino’s stony silence on Kidapawan violence

I am appalled by the stony silence of President Noynoy Aquino on the violent dispersal of the protesting farmers in Kidapawan, North Cotabato who were only in the streets hoping to receive assistance from the local government since the El Niño has caused their farms to dry up.

The violent dispersal led to the death of two farmers and injured hundreds of others.

Our President Noynoy Aquino was never heard to react on the incident but is very busy in campaigning for the administration candidate Mar Roxas.

There are demands for an independent investigation on the incident, but the PNP is already doing it and even awarded the policemen involved in the dispersal, thus creating doubts on their impartiality in the case.

It doesn’t help that the government filed charges against some of the farmers. The Senate started its own inquiry, and it showed that the ground commander did issue the order for the dispersal.

But many want President Aquino to break his silence and say something about the violent dispersal as he is the commander-in-chief and chief executive of our government.

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Today’s third fight between People’s Champ Manny Pacquiao and Timothy Bradley will no doubt be watched by many Filipinos. Whether we believe it or not, the match is very crucial to Pacquiao’s bid for the Senate.

But for me, the Senate seat is only incidental because what is important is Pacquiao bringing pride once again to the entire country through a victory over Bradley.

I know many, if not most of the politicians, are going to take advantage of the fight by sponsoring live telecast of the fight in public places.

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If I am not mistaken it’s now less than a month before the elections and the third and final presidential debate will be quite exciting if we go by the last one in Cebu where candidates got nasty with each other.

Recently it was reported that four active PNP officers were scheduled to meet with the staff of a presidential candidate.

Here in Cebu, One Cebu gubernatorial bet Winston Garcia reportedly mentioned a reward for anyone to report on the presence of former PNP high ranking officer Marcelo Garbo meeting with PNP officers here in Cebu and attending the rallies of the administration bet.

But Cebu Gov. Junjun Davide belittled Garcia’s move, saying that Garbo has already retired and so there is nothing wrong with Garbo supporting a candidate.

The fact remains that Garbo is taking advantage of his closeness with the PNP officers in order to influence their decisions on whom to support.

Apparently it is not going to be easy for Liberal Party (LP) standard-bearer Mar Roxas to win the election.

The series of surveys showed Sen. Grace Poe has consistently topped the ratings followed closely by Davao City Mayor Rodrigo  Duterte.

It is important for the voters to evaluate the candidates and carefully choose whom to vote for.