Ateneo students turn their back on Estrada

A couple of years ago, they felt quite proud when a fellow Atenean, though a dropout, was elected to the highest office in the land. Now, they are turning out in hordes to make sure he steps down.

Student leaders from at least four campuses of the Ateneo joined the growing public clamor for the resignation of President Estrada, who has been accused of receiving millions in payoffs from illegal gambling operations.

Buklod Atenista, an alliance of student councils from Ateneo de Manila, Ateneo de Naga, Ateneo de Davao and Ateneo de Zamboanga, expressed dissatisfaction over governance under the present administration during a four-day congress held at the university’s main campus in Loyola Heights, Quezon City.

"This year’s congress has already deliberated and critically discussed its stand against the Estrada government," said Cristina Tanseco, head of Buklod Atenista.

The alliance said students have lost confidence in the President’s capability as a "moral and effective leader" for the country.

"We urge the President to put national interest above all else and step down from office if only to restore the Filipino people’s faith in government," the group said in a statement.

In calling for Mr. Estrada’s resignation, Buklod Atenista noted that his administration has been marred by numerous allegations of corruption and betrayal of public trust.

"Worse, a pattern of ‘accusation-then-denial’ had been established during his first term in office. The most recent addition to this pattern is his alleged involvement in illegal gambling," the alliance said.

The students pointed out that truth and justice, which are crucial parts of effective governance, have "apparently been forgotten by the present administration."

"We now rally for change and reformation of the present system," the alliance said.

Estrada berates foreign TV crew

A visibly piqued President Estrada berated yesterday an Australian TV news crew that had persistently asked him questions about calls for his resignation and the worsening economic situation.

The crew of ABC Australia TV News had "ambushed" the President for an interview after the latter attended a land title-awarding program at a high school in Caloocan City.

Mr. Estrada had obliged the foreign news crew and answered their first few questions.

But when the questions shifted to recent calls for his resignation, the President became angry and asked the reporter the name of his media outfit.

When the reporter answered that he works for ABC Australia, the President snapped back: "Your currency is also depreciated. So why doesn’t your President resign?"

To this, the reporter replied: "Maybe he will."

Press Secretary Puno said yesterday that requests for exclusive interviews with the President have started to pile up in his office. Requests include those from CNN, BBC and other international news outfits.

Puno, however, explained that the President has been advised by lawyers not to discuss the jueteng accusations made by former friend Ilocos Sur Gov. Luis "Chavit" Singson. — With Marichu Villanueva