PNoy says results better than his presence in disaster ops

MALOLOS, Bulacan — President Benigno Aquino III on Wednesday downplayed criticisms regarding his absence during disaster operations in the wake of Typhoons Pedring and Quiel. At a press briefing after the regional development council meeting here, Aquino said he would do what is necessary and but not give his critics the pleasure of hindering his decision. "Nung dumalaw ako sa Marikina at Malabon kini-criticize nila kung bakit ako dumadalaw dun, nag-papapogi. E nung hindi naman ako nakikita, nasaan ako," he lamented. "Mahirap po talaga maging manananggal na kalahati na ang katawan ko. Dadalaw… hindi para matuwa ‘yung nasa industriya na nagki-criticize sa akin," he added. The President said what is important is the result of what he has been doing even without publicity. "Siguro pag nakikita na nag-uutos ang Pangulo sa iba't ibang ahensiya sa kasagsagan ng sakuna ang ibig sabihin nun hindi nakahanda ang gobyerno," he said. "Kung alam na ang dapat gawin ng bawat ahensiya, ginagawa na nila, ano pa ang iuutos mo. Paano nangyari 'yun? Dahil napaghandaan na," he added. Aquino said his government acts even before a problem presents itself. "Sa ibang panahon dalawang linggo bago nagsimula ang caravan patungong Bicol para dalhin ‘yung relief. Dito po sa atin naghihintay na ‘yung relief bago pa dumating ‘yung bagyo," he said. He noted that his conscience is clear and that his administration is performing its duties in the service of the people. "Pakipansin ‘yung resulta. Siguro naman po mas ‘di hamak na maganda ang resulta natin kumpara nung Ondoy," Aquino said. — VS, GMA News