LP bet’s irritation at PCCI forum ‘ominous’—NP

NACIONALISTA PARTY (NP) SPOKESMAN AND SENATORIAL BET ADEL TAMANO SAID SEN. NOYNOY AQUINO’S DISPLAY OF IRRITATION DURING THE PRESIDENTIAL FORUM OF THE PHILIPPINE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY (PCCI) WAS “OMINOUS.”
Tamano said that such stance was inappropriate for a candidate aiming for the highest elected office of the land.
Aquino blew his top at the forum moderator, BizNewsAsia publisher and president Antonio Lopez, for being “biased” in favor of NP standard-bearer Manny Villar, who was “introduced and treated more favorably” by the journalist during the forum.
“If the LP bet’s feathers were ruffled by the slightest hint of bias and some good-natured banter of a host at a forum with the business sector, then we can only guess how he can handle crisis of greater proportions,” Tamano said.
At one point during the PCCI forum, Aquino barely managed to hide his irritation at Lopez’s remarks when he said that he wished the forum had a “more unbiased moderator.” This triggered cheers and jeers from Aquino’s supporters at the sidelines.
“Such actions augur badly to what kind of a leader the LP bet would turn out to be,” said Tamano.
Aquino also complained that Lopez changed the order of candidates in answering questions from the panelists. The LP standard-bearer was visibly at a loss when Lopez said it was his turn to answer. Aquino had to ask for a repeat of the question.
“It is the moderator’s prerogative to set the mechanics, and the order of answering was reversed a few times during the forum. Villar was also asked to answer first several times,” Tamano noted.
According to the NP spokesman, the NP standard bearer has been a gentleman and maintained composure during several other fora where other presidential aspirants took turns in chiding him in public.