The big difference

The editorial of today's Inquirer admonishes PNoy for not visiting the flood stricken areas sooner. Think symbols it said. A photo-op of a president physically handing out a bag of relief goods might have done the trick. In other words, the Inquirer editorial wants more of the same old showbiz style politics that has been the downfall of our country.

What gives Inquirer? Don't you all get it? This is a president unburdened by the need to perpetuate his hold on to power beyond what the constitution mandates. When his term is over, PNoy will go. And yes, like he said, he will be missed.

A welcome relief, finally, a president who is no longer campaigning.

The AFP, DSWD and other agencies tasked to help the typhoon victims had already pre-positioned their assets even before Quiel hit. And right in the thick of it, the president was seen on tv coordinating with the heads of  these agencies on how best to serve the needs of the typhoon victims. Oh but the Inquirer missed all that. Because PNoy did not go to Bulacan and distribute the one photo-op bag of relief goods himself.

Yes, think symbols, Inquirer. You are right on that one point. But as far as symbols go, do not miss the symbols that you do not see. Let me give you a hint, when was the last time you saw a TV ad, paid for by PAGCOR, praising the president for his/her good works? Therein lies the big difference.