Press Release
December 23, 2008

Gordon disappointed over Cory's apology

Independent Senator Richard J. Gordon today expressed disappointment over former president Corazon Aquino's public apology to former president Joseph Estrada, saying it was not the way a leader must act.

Gordon said Aquino's apology for taking part in Estrada's ouster from the presidency in 2001 is not a good example for the people, notably among children, as it confuses them of how leaders should act and how they must stand for what they do.

"I am quite disappointed. I don't agree with the fact that you have to say sorry to him. I really feel for Cory because she is sick right now, but I think she overstated the point," he said.

While Aquino is entitled to her opinion and to make such apologetic statements, Gordon explained that being a leader, she should have stood by her decision to participate in the ouster of Estrada.

He added that leaders should set a good example to the citizens of the country by showing pride and dignity, and by speaking up and saying what is wrong or what is right even if it would hurt other people.

"I have nothing against the former president (Aquino). I have something against the fact that when we are leaders, we must be called upon to teach our people. Leaders teach. Leaders must form a face for our country, what we stand for," Gordon said.

"We must be upright and we must be able not to be afraid to say in front of other people what we think of them if they had done wrong. I do not want to confuse the public where we must stand. Malilito ang tao, malilito ang bata. We must stand for the right thing," he added.

Gordon stressed that Aquino's statement could confuse the people because she had apologized to Estrada who has wronged the country and was even convicted for it.

While he maintains that he does not have anything against Estrada and that he could remain friends with him, the senator said he would never apologize to the ousted president because he knows what he did was the right thing.

"I have no qualms in saying that I didn't agree with the way he (Estrada) was handling the government. Erap did some good things and I acknowledge that. He did many good things but he also did a lot of bad things," Gordon said.

"Mr. Estrada has committed wrongs in our country and he has already been forgiven. I'm part of those who removed him and I have no regrets about that," he added.

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