On
It was a newsworthy event in itself, what with the presence of political bigwigs of the past and present, headed by the 3 living former presidents of the country. But a remark from one of them made the event headline material for days to come.
Former President Corazon Aquino, during her brief speech, quipped “ I am one of those who plead guilty for 2001. Lahat naman tayo nagkakamali. Patawarin mo na lang ako”, apparently in response to deposed Former President Joseph Estrada’s joke in his earlier speech in which he said to JDV that he had already given him his “full and absolute pardon” as an exercise of his executive privilege.
As expected, the quote garnered an avalanche of reactions, from key personalities during the EDSA 2 uprising and opposition stalwarts alike. Some defended Cory, others said it was proof that Erap was really innocent and was just a victim of political power play, but most criticized President Aquino, saying that she overdid her reconciliation with Erap, with Senator Richard Gordon going as far as giving her the nickname ‘President Sorry’.
President Estrada said that he was vindicated, while Cory spokesman Dodie Limchauco explained her side, saying that the quote should have been taken in the context of a joke, as it was a very lighthearted affair, with Erap himself cracking his own jokes while delivering his speech.
The “sorry” remark itself could have meant any other thing. She may have been sorry for joining EDSA Dos because the alternative turned out to be no better than Erap. Or maybe because while she did not believe Erap to be guilty, she had no choice but to join in because almost all the power players in politics and business were in. Or maybe because while she was convinced of Erap’s guilt, she felt for the shame and embarrassment he endured in the succeeding years after he was driven out of power.
We may never know what the “sorry” really was for. But what we have to understand is that it was a personal matter between two very public figures. Cory did not speak on behalf, and she never claimed that she did, of the Filipino people or any particular group for that matter. Did Erap deserve to be apologized to? Only God and Erap himself know if he does.
But for whatever it’s worth, it doesn’t change anything that happened in 2001. Erap will always be described in the history books as the President who was ousted from his post by a popular uprising due to what people deemed to be an unfair impeachment trial stemming from charges that he received payouts from illegal gambling. The history books will also show that Cory was one of many prominent personalities who led this revolt. History will not include a footnote saying that after seven years, she said sorry to him.
Just before 2008 ended, I received what I consider as the best New Year’s gift I’ve received in years. After the last worship service of the year, Papa treated me and Mommy to Mcdonald’s . When Mommy asked why he was doing it, Papa placed an arm around my shoulder and said, “I just want to say sorry to you son, for I blamed you for all our struggles this year. I only realized now that it was God who helped us through everything”.
Did I deserve his apology? I certainly hope I do. For in spite of the fact that my decision to resign from a job that paid me well and open a business that not only earned much lower than expected, but worse, went through all sorts of problems that I had to close it for 3 months, hurt my parents a lot, I had nothing but the best intentions in doing so. I couldn’t help but feel guilty for everything, for maybe if I had not resigned from my job, then we would have been in a much better financial situation now. But my father’s words were a sign that no matter what happens, he was going to support me now every step of the way.
His “sorry” may not have changed anything that we went through, but it has made all the difference for me.
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