'Ninoy would have had less trouble with media'

CABANATUAN CITY -- If Sen. Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino Jr. were alive today and sitting as President instead of President Estrada, he would have less problems dealing with the media and their critical attacks.

That's because unlike Mr. Estrada, Aquino spoke his mind out loud and clear, giving no room for media speculations and sensationalism.

That's the opinion of Aquino's younger sister, Sen. Tessie Aquino-Oreta, who said the presidency would have been "less problematic" for the late senator.

"Ninoy articulated his visions and mind very well so I think he would have less trouble with the media. I think he could handle media criticisms well, too," Oreta said during a visit here to launch the Early Childhood Care Development Program at the Nueva Ecija High School.

Oreta said this was not the case with Mr. Estrada, whose dealings with the media have always gotten him into trouble.

"Erap is very candid with the press and it so happens that the press is not so friendly to him. 'Pag di mo kakampi ang kausap mo (If the one you're talking to is not your ally), almost always you will (find yourself) at the losing end," she said.

Oreta has lately figured in the news over the plan to transfer Aquino's statue from Rizal Park to an area near the National Press Club (NPC).

Oreta said identifying Aquino with the NPC and journalists was not the central issue. "Of course, the NPC symbolizes freedom of the press, but Ninoy does not only represent journalists but all Filipinos," she said.

She said the plan should be dropped, adding, "They owe it to Ninoy the freedom and democracy that they now enjoy."