Lacson defends P-Noy on tirade vs De Castro

MANILA, Philippines - Sen. Panfilo Lacson came to President Aquino’s defense yesterday on the latter’s tirade against former Vice President Noli de Castro, saying it was even admirable.

Lacson, one of the President’s allies in the Senate, said it was no surprise to him what Aquino did during the 25th anniversary celebration of TV Patrol, which caused a furor among various media organizations.

“There are different views about this, some are in favor and some are not. What I can say is that I admire him as a person. He’s an in-your-face kind of guy who airs his complaints directly to the persons involved,” Lacson said.

While admitting that the venue and event where the President aired his complaints about De Castro were not exactly ideal, he said that it was still acceptable because he did it straight to the former Vice President’s face.

“We have a rule in leadership – you commend in public and reprimand in private. That is a basic rule. But there are times that you just can’t help it anymore like when a janitor has gone too far and you scold him in front of the staff,” he said.

Lacson said the President did the same thing to former chief justice Renato Corona during an event of the judiciary. “He minces no words. To call the attention of the chief justice before the public and it was a worse occasion (to do it) because it was during a judicial summit,” Lacson said.

Responding to a comment that people would hesitate in inviting the President for a speaking engagement, Lacson joked that it was probably his intention when he spoke out against De Castro.