Do you sympathize with the opposition in its unrelenting criticism of the PGMA administration?

C.B. Fundales, Bulacan: I can’t sympathize with the opposition that hasn’t gone beyond making noise out of every issue they’ve raised. They’re more like destabilizers than fiscalizers.

Ricardo Tolentino, Laoag City: Hating GMA is a natural reaction of a desperate nation. You need not be part of the opposition to feel the outrage.

Provides for checks and balances

Leonard Villa, Batac City: Yes, PGMA deserves a little spanking due to the brouhahas in her government. A vigilant opposition puts some sanity and order in an immoral and graft-ridden government.

Eufrocino Linsangan, Isabela: Without the opposition, we’ll never know the corruption, anomalies and abuses of this government. They serve as checks and balances in this government.

Col. Ben Paguirigan Jr., Ret., Zamboanga City: The opposition’s unrelenting criticism of the PGMA administration is but a fitting rage, so people will know what is really happening. We Pinoys are forgetful.

Ella Arenas, Pangasinan: Yes, we can’t help sympathizing with their cause because we can’t simply ignore GMA’s wrongdoings. Even the public agrees because it is very obvious in her very low popularity ratings.

Manuel Abejero, Pangasinan: Yes, 100 per cent. GMA, being the mother of all corruption, is like a bush fire threatening the whole nation. We have to join hands to end the conflagration.

Dr. Jose Balcanao, Benguet: I salute the oppositionists who have manifested unrelenting criticism of the PGMA administration, but it is difficult to re-engineer or re-structure the wall built by loyal retired generals who protect her and enjoy her blessings.  

Alexander Raquepo, Ilocos Sur: Yes, I do. It is their job to balance the political system. In the first place, PGMA should be thankful for being in the limelight always. Bad or good, it’s still publicity.

It’s easy to criticize

Rey Ibalan, Antipolo City: No, I don’t. The easiest thing for them to do is criticize, but they should instead offer good alternative programs of government.

Herculano Babatido, Misamis Oriental: No, the opposition has no program of government. They will be worse if allowed to govern. Nakakahiya.

C.B. Manalastas, Manila: I pity the opposition for using PGMA to promote their political ambitions instead of presenting what they can do to improve the lives of Filipinos. I just wonder what the opposition has done to benefit our countrymen instead of criticizing PGMA to promote their own interests.

Rey Onate, Palayan City: What I observed about the opposition is that their best platform is to lambast PGMA. Their political propaganda is to show that anybody linked with PGMA is bad. They have painted a scenario that the present political contest is a fight between dark forces and saviors. Wala namang plataporma at saka lumilitaw na ang presidential race is between sa di mangungurakot at sa naliligo sa basura. That is only based on paid surveys. It is one bad move, for it made Gibo an underdog. Dito sa kalipunan naming mahigit sa dalawang libo ang miyembro ay naaawa kay Gibo. Magaling kasi.

Ignacio Anacta, Metro Manila: It’s not a matter of sympathy; the most important point is whether or not the criticism is based on facts. If the president truly serves the nation, even the opposition would appreciate her.

The criticisms seem well-placed

Deo Durante, Camarines Sur: Personally, I don’t sympathize with them, but I do believe that the criticisms are partly true. However, PGMA is not a god that can fix everything at the flick of her fingers.

Rose Leobrera, Manila: I believe that there really is truth to all that is being said about PGMA. Even those who are pro-administration are aware of this. They just keep their mouths shut because they benefit from the administration. We are not fools. PGMA has the money and the power to hold us and crush us into pieces. In this country, she is the law. Nakakapuwing talaga ang maliit.

Ernesto Oliquiano, Las Piñas City: Yes, I sympathize with them and I believe that the opposition is right in its unrelenting criticism of the present administration. It is now very obvious that all actions taken by PGMA and her cohorts point to just one direction—for her to remain in power. The abuse of the partylist provision of the Constitution, distributing pork to administration congressmen, her insistence on appointing the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, and many more can only be interpreted as a preparation for her to remain in power. And she’s doing all these despite the criticisms thrown against her. She could do much worse if the opposition will remain silent.

William Gonzaga, Marikina City: Absolutely! Indeed, PGMA is not a presidential bet, but her numerous maneuvers to hold immense political power beyond June 30, 2010 cause nightmarish apprehensions in all well-meaning Filipinos. The Villarroyo alliance is no mere figment of imagination, but vital for her agenda to gain immunity from legal suits once she leaves the presidency.  With the AFP-PNP top brass and even the Supreme Court coopted by PGMA, the die is cast for her various schemes to perpetuate herself in power come what may. Quo vadis, Philippines?

Only honest critics get my sympathy

Elmo Cruz, Manila: I wish to sympathize with the critics, but if they themselves are crooks and also have unsettled issues, I have no feelings for them whatsoever.

Desuel Pardo, Mandaluyong City: I can only sympathize with critics who can declare publicly that they are honestly clean, have no skeletons in their closets, have no vested interests, and can prove that they are criticizing PGMA for the benefit of the public.

This is a way of life for us

Richard Cornelio, Pasay City: From the time the Third Republic of our country was proclaimed, the opposition has criticized their malefactions and corruption. I think we have been experiencing this unrelenting criticism for decades. On May 10, the Filipino people must be wise enough to vote who is worthy of our trust lest we regret again.

Eddie Yap, Kabankalan City: Criticism against PGMA’s administration has been going on relentlessly all throughout her rule but nothing has happened. Considering that it will be election time in a few days, can we just keep quiet now and let the lady make her grand exit?

The criticism is nowhere constructive

Nony de Leon, Malolos City: The opposition’s unrelenting attacks on PGMA show that they have nothing positive and solid to offer. All they have are fairy tale promises.

Pedro Alagano Sr., Vigan City: No, in the sense that it has become destructive rather than constructive. While I consider that criticism is an indispensable antidote for major delusions, it has become a tool of the opposition to suit their hidden agenda. If PGMA opted to adapt what Elbert Hubbard said, which is, “To avoid criticism, do nothing, say nothing, be nothing”, she wouldn’t have reaped all the nasty things hurled at her by her critics. But it cannot be, as she’s the President and often opts to do what she believes is right for the betterment of the country and the people.

Cris Rivera, Rizal: The fact is, because of the fragmented opposition, I don’t know who is the real one. Nevertheless, I hold them liable for our pitiable state.

Rodolfo Talledo, Angeles City: A big no. Their criticism is far from constructive. It’s designed to create a chaotic situation that will propel them to the apex of their dream of power.

Anthony Solidum, Ibajay, Aklan: No, the opposition is too cruel in its criticism of PGMA. As the Bible says, let those who are without sin cast the first stone.

Erwin Espinoza, Pangasinan: I don’t and I never will. Mga utak talangka lang kasi ang karamihan sa mga oposisyon, lalo na ang Noynoy-Mar ng Liberal Party at ang Villar-Loren ng Nacionalista.

How can we not sympathize with them?

Jim Veneracion, Naga City: Yes, because I’m a certified dyed-in-the-wool GMA-basher. Not even the meanest and vilest critiques can reform GMA’s government.

Elpidio Que, Vigan: We sympathize not only with the opposition but also with media persons in their unrelenting criticism of the Arroyo administration. And why not? With convenience and pomposity, PGMA has continuously refused to answer to accusations of cheating, lying and stealing against her, while our national debt has grown to P4.4 trillion, doubling since she accidentally assumed her throne. We are in a reign of debauchery! Last year, she pampered her home district with the people’s money as an advanced bribe for her cabalen to put her in Congress come election as part of her comeback design to evade going to prison. She courts unforetold trouble.

Mandy Rillon, Cabanatuan City: Yes, the criticisms are a sign of utter helplessness on the gross misdeeds of our President. This is a way of venting out our need to elect a righteous one.

Never did, never will

Gerii Calupitan, Muntinlupa City: Never did, never will. The opposition is composed of a bunch of spoiled brats who’ll do anything to grab the spotlight. A radical priest I know always found reason to lambast PGMA and seek justice for Erap, the duly-elected president of RP. One day, he read the gospel citing King Herod, who was forced to have John the Baptist beheaded because he promised Salome she could have anything she liked. Gerodias, the mother, told her daughter, “Ask that John’s head be given to you on a platter.” Gerodias was Herod’s kabit and the wife of his brother Philip. Why defend a womanizer and criticize a corrupt one at the pulpit? Hindi ba hypocrisy ‘yun? The same goes for the rabble-rousing opposition na mga ipokrito’t ipokrita din.

Jose Fabello Jr., Cagayan de Oro City: There really is no shortage of sympathetic listening ears for the opposition. I, for one, cannot help but wear earplugs.

It all depends

Ed Gulmatico, Bacolod City: If we refer to the real and true opposition like the Liberal Party, the word “sympathize” is not the right word to use. The majority of Filipinos concur and go along with the unrelenting criticism of the PGMA administration. The word “sympathize” can best be applied to those that pretend to be opposition, like Manny Villar and Gordon. It pains them to criticize, for it’s not part of their devious script to fool the electorate and Filipino people.

Lolong Rejano, Marinduque: Yes, I sympathize with the opposition, but it depends on who is talking. During election time, many of those who criticize the administration are mere opportunists.

Her critics are not clean either

Felix Ramento, USA: No, nobody is clean, especially in the world of Philippine politics. “Weather-weather” nga lang daw eh, ang pagmamalaki ng dating Pangulong Erap.

Johann Lucas, Quezon City: No, they have no right to go public and criticize PGMA, because most of them have also done what she has done and also condoned her acts.

Armando Tavera, Las Piñas City: Never will I sympathize with them. They, too, have their own dirty linen in the closet. Who are they fooling?

Germi Sison, Cabanatuan City: It depends on who the opposition is, what is being criticized, and how the criticism is being conducted against PGMA. The “Garci” and “Bedol” election results manipulation should be proven beyond reasonable doubt before the Comelec or the Supreme Court. The ZTE/NBN and Bolante case should be pursued at the Sandiganbayan without political insinuations. The increase in PGMA and her immediate family’s SALN should also be investigated and, if the result proves futile, this issue should be closed. PGMA’s running for a seat in Congress is legal and its moral side is relative so it should no longer be an issue. The special district to accommodate her younger son and Mikey’s and Sec. Reyes’ being the party list nominees are political issues that should be diligently and unrelentingly pursued by all opposition groups. The criticism should always be objective. Critics should also maintain dignity to be credible before the eyes of the public.

Joe Nacilla, Las Piñas City: The opposition’s unrelenting criticism of PGMA is a shallow political gimmick to the point of insulting the electorate. Please listen to the voice of the electorate. The opposition is overdoing its criticism against PGMA to the point of being unreasonable. It is peddling hatred and anger without presenting solutions. Filing case after case versus GMA is a stupid idea, not a solution. They haven’t looked at their inner being, and yet they present themselves to be like detergents that can cleanse the evils of GMA. Even truckloads of muriatic acid cannot disinfect, sanitize or remove their own sins from the past.

I identify with the opposition

Robert Young Jr., San Juan: I don’t sympathize with the opposition in its criticism of the Arroyo administration because to sympathize is to express condolence, to be compassionate for a suffering or trouble. I do, however, empathize with what the opposition is doing. I identify with their feelings, motives and situation.

Kelvin Casamayor, Ilocos Sur: I do sympathize them. The unrelenting criticism by the opposition of this vexatious administration is a reflection of what is truly happening.

Elizabeth Oximer, Negros Occidental: Of course. Kaso lang, manhid na si GMA.

Romeo Caubat, Masbate: Yes, I sympathize with the opposition since I’m now an opposition man and I want radical change for our nation’s welfare and advancement.

Ruel Bautista, Laguna: The PGMA administration has already consumed and broken the threshold of my tolerance for abuse. I don’t only sympathize with the opposition, but I’m also ready to go beyond it.

I sympathize with the people

Jimmy Donton, Puerto Princesa City: I sympathize with the Filipino people who suffer from the inaction of the present government in improving social services. Both the opposition and the administration should work for the greater good of the country, and not for their own parties only.

Imee Aglibot, USA: I’m not on either side. What I want is what’s best for our country. I mean, hopefully, there’ll be a few that could make a difference. What we see is all siraan. In the middle of the night, when I’m just about to sleep, my cell phone would bother me with nonsense messages. How disgusting. At the very last minute they’re still at it.

Lydia Reyes, Bataan: I don’t sympathize with them. What we need now is unity. When their time comes to rule, sila naman ang iki-critize. History simply repeats itself.

PGMA can benefit from the criticisms

Ruben Viray, Antipolo City: The PGMA administration can learn so much from the opposition’s unrelenting criticism, good or bad.

They’re only after media mileage

Ishmael Q. Calata, Parañaque City: The key word in this question is “unrelenting”. It’s election season and everyone in the political arena takes whatever chance they can get to earn media mileage! What I’ve observed is that this is the longest stretch of time that a President has been relentlessly criticized by the opposition. I cannot sympathize with the opposition because when the “the foot is in the other’s shoe,” they are bound to suffer the same fate. In Philippine politics, that is the name of the game. But let me clarify my stand: Any accusation of illegality on the part of the President or anyone should be documented for the complaint to be filed in court. Let us not just mouth off! Otherwise, critics would appear to be childish, mudslinging and playing foul just to be heard and noticed.

They only see PGMA’s bad side

Donald Brazil, Quezon City: Since her ascension to Malacañang, PGMA has remained in power despite unrelenting pressure from the opposition to derail her administration. Her administration was rocked by numerous scandals, but despite those, she has weathered the storm to remain at the helm. Now, only God knows if she will keep her pledge to step down come June 2010. But we also have to appreciate her good deeds: She implemented the unpopular e-VAT bill that has kept our economy afloat while other world economies were in near collapse; she revived the economy through sound economic fundamentals and fiscal reforms.  This may be a bit complicated for an ordinary Juan to comprehend; hence, it is not appreciated by many. While I sympathize with the objectivity of the true critics of PGMA, some are just a bunch of big-mouthed wannabes who jumped on the gravy train for a free ride to the netherworld of politics. Conveniently, PGMA has become their stepping stone to push their political ambitions. Look where they are now: Those clowns are either finishing their term of office or campaigning in the elections.

Renato Taylan, Ilocos Norte: No, I don’t, but I do pity the opposition for having eyes that can only see the bad side and not the good side of the PGMA administration.

Views expressed in this section do not necessarily reflect the editorial position of The STAR. The STAR does not knowingly publish false information and may not be held liable for the views of readers exercising their right to free expression. The publication also reserves the right to edit contributions to this section as it sees fit.

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