Noynoy asked to undergo psychiatric test

MANILA, Philippines - Newly formed group Citizens For Right of Information (CFRI) yesterday dared Liberal Party (LP) presidential candidate Sen. Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III to undergo a psychiatric test to dispel doubts on his ability to sit as president if elected.

“The public has the right to know if the individual whom they are entrusting their future and the future of their children is of sound mind and fully capable withstanding the rigors of running the country as its president,” lawyer Manuel Faelnar of CFRI said in a press conference in Quezon City.

Last week, STAR columnist Carmen Pedrosa wrote how Aquino allegedly underwent treatment in Boston between 1981 to 1983 under the care of a certain Dr. Steven Agular from the psychiatric department of the Newton Wellesley College.

Pedrosa, who was at the press conference, said Aquino should address the issue because he became a public figure when he decided to run for president.

“What we need is someone who is on top of things. What we need is someone who will create, be innovative for the kind of problems we have,” she said. “We want the very best president we can ever have, not a president who might get unwell again.”

Neuro-psychiatrist Ma. Cecilia Gonzalez said people with mental disorder may behave similarly to normal people because signs of disorder may be hidden. – With Aurea Calica, Christina Mendez, Perseus Echeminada