Noy says he won’t spend time debating with critics

MANILA, Philippines - President Aquino has urged the public to avoid doing nothing but complain when they want changes as non-constructive criticisms are no longer his priority.

Speaking during the anniversary of the Ateneo Professional Schools on Wednesday, Aquino said a priest had advised that a person would be judged on his actions, not debates or discussions.

“And I tend to follow that advice,” he said.

“Why spend the time debating with somebody who will never have an open mind, why not just do what has to be done?”

“The challenges, when you look at it, maybe it’s just a question of prioritizing. Will I spend most of my time answering the cottage industry of critics that has sprung up, isn’t it?”

At an open forum in Hope Christian High School yesterday, Aquino also told students he would not pay attention to criticisms that are not true.

“Well, (they are) untrue so why waste time on them,” he said.

“I have six years to do what I set out to do and what the people are expecting me to do. And of course, (there should be) time management.” 

Aquino said his conscience could not bear to spend time answering his critics as long as he was certain that he was doing everything he could to improve people’s lives.

“I am okay with that,” he said. “Now, perhaps, I even use them as a motivating tool.”  

Aquino said some netizens are examples of those who would do nothing but criticize when they themselves were just facing their computers.

He wonders why they could not find anything more productive, he added.

Aquino said he would like people to be busy so they can forget about senseless talk and   vices.

“Those who are persistent and do nothing but be negative, maybe they’re just lacking opportunities to be productive,” he said.

“I will look for (opportunities for) them. Now, at the same time, I recognize that there are some who are driven by mercenary considerations. Now, it would be a disservice and injustice for our people if I just keep on engaging them in a debate, that’s useless.”

Aquino said other critics no longer have open minds, and that it would be pointless to argue with someone who had closed the door on him.

 â€œOur blood pressure will only rise, and nobody will benefit,” he said in Filipino.