In this beso-beso society, a President must keep aloof

Forgive me, I don’t mean to sound like I’m trying to deliver a stern sermon or a lecture. Who am I to preach? But I’m in shock. What was shocking was to see the President, GMA, on television, giving beso-beso to one of the persons who had savaged her, indeed "betrayed" her, very blatantly resigned Social Welfare Secretary Dinky Soliman, the virtual Madame Lefarge of the "Hyatt 10."

Even in this hypocritical kissy-kissy town, that was the pits! In the Garden of Gethsemane, did Judas Iscariot betray the Son of Man with a "kiss"? At Ninoy Aquino’s memorial Mass, who initiated that astounding television kiss?

To begin with, why in Heaven’s (or Hell’s) name did the President insist on going to the Mass in commemoration of the late Senator Aquino’s 22nd death anniversary? Perhaps she thought she could get it across that she was willing to "humble" herself to seek reconciliation with former President Corazon C. Aquino who had publicly demanded her (GMA’s) resignation.

Surely, La Presidenta’s arrival at those rites made a great many people on center stage at that commemoration uncomfortable – Mrs. Cory Aquino most of all. The ex-President could not for courtesy’s sake, rebuff the President, nor tell her not to come, nor send her away. GMA went on to shake hands with another of her enemies, the Great Stone Face of the SONA, Senate President Franklin Drilon Jr., who had also, on behalf of his Liberal Party, demanded her "resignation" for alleged poll fraud. Sanamagan. There are times when, innocent or guilty, a President must stand aloof – not think she can "disarm" foes and critics with such public raid on their reunion.

Possibly she intended to pay tribute to Ninoy, but do you think so? Sorry, but even if nobody agrees with me, I’ve got to say it: the entire thing came across to me like a cheap stunt.

A President must be true to her Presidency. She must show that not only herself but her high office was "insulted" by those who publicly demanded her resignation. Otherwise, she will be regarded as a mere flake, a huckster eager to do anything to cling to office.

The Presidency is not given to just anyone by God and the people. It requires, usually, loneliness at the top. Even John F. Kennedy – the Prince Charming, indeed the King of Camelot – put it well: "You can forgive your enemies, but you must never forget their names!"