Reform group questions Aquino’s tepid reaction to SC decision on Danding’s SMC stake

Reform group Pagbabago! People’s Movement for Change today questioned what it described as a tepid reaction of President Benigno S. Aquino III to the Supreme Court decision favoring tycoon Eduardo “Danding” Cojuangco in his 20 percent stake in San Miguel Corp. (SMC). Pagbabago! said that such reaction was easily noticeable considering that Aquino is usually quick to criticize the SC in the past for its decisions that are seen to derail his anti-corruption campaign.

In his initial response to the SC ruling, Aquino said that he has tasked his legal team to study the matter and give him a briefing. He also said that there are so many details about the case that he needs to look into to supposedly get the “clearest picture of what transpired” before he can take the appropriate actions.

The President may be trying to sound objective but his statement is also sending a different message. Is it because of Danding? Is it because the person involved is his uncle and patron?” asked Pagbabago! spokesperson Fr. Joe Dizon.

Dizon said that it is implausible that Aquino is unaware of the important facts about how Cojuangco allegedly used the coco levy funds to gain a 20 percent stake in giant conglomerate SMC. “This case was initiated by the administration of his mother, the late President Cory Aquino. The misuse of the coco levy funds was one of the most high profile cases against the late dictator Marcos and his cronies like Danding. How could a President who promised a daang matuwid not know this?” said Dizon.

 The Pagbabago! leader added that the SC decision has legitimized the continuing injustice against the small coconut farmers who were forced to bear the tax burden despite their extreme poverty and Aquino’s cold reaction is adding insult to injury.

 “We commemorated the 25th anniversary of EDSA People Power this year, with all the pomp prepared by Malacañang. Yet, with developments like this, we do not see any reason to celebrate. The many injustices and abuses committed by the Marcos dictatorship remain”, Dizon said. The Catholic priest pointed out that “the biggest irony is that Aquino seems to tolerate them”.

Dizon said that how the President will aggressively pursue the case against Danding Cojuangco on the issue of the coco levy funds is a test case that will determine the sincerity and success of Aquino’s campaign promise of addressing bureaucratic corruption.

“Otherwise, he’ll be just like the others who would go after the corrupt as long as they are not relatives, patrons, or political allies. By any standard, this is a baluktot na daan”, said Dizon. (End)