MANILA, Philippines - Amid criticisms that he is only trying to save himself in the Mamasapano debacle, President Benigno Aquino III is urging the nation to reflect on Christ's humility and selfless sacrifice this Lenten season.
In his Lenten message released on Monday, Aquino said Filipino Christians should reflect on how Christ suffered on the cross to save mankind from sin.
"Isipin po ninyo: Sa kabila ng lubos na kapangyarihang iligtas ang sarili sa kapahamakan, pinili ni Hesukristong magpakumbaba bilang tao, at ialay ang sariling buhay. Pinasan niya ang matinding kalbaryo upang maging bukal ng kaligtasan, at ilapit tayo sa Kaharian ng Diyos-Ama," Aquino said.
He claimed that Christ's humility and sacrifice serve as his guide in governance.
"Ito nga po ang nagsisilbi nating gabay sa pagtataguyod ng bansang nakatuon hindi lang sa kapakanan ng mga Pilipino ngayon kundi maging ng mga susunod pang henerasyon. Tinatawag tayong gawin ang lahat ng ating makakaya, upang maipamana ang isang lipunan na inuuna ang interes ng nakakarami bago ang sarili," the president said.
Aquino had this message amid criticisms that he is trying to clear himself of any liability in the Mamasapano debacle by passing all the blame on relieved Special Action Force commander Getulio Napeñas and resigned Philippine National Police Director General Alan Purisima.
Aquino had insisted that he was fed the wrong information by the two police officials, preventing him to immediately help the 44 Special Action Force commandos slain on January 25.
In his supposedly final speech on the Mamasapano incident last week, Aquino expressed regret, took "full responsibility" and "humbly" appealed to the nation for "deepest understanding" for the bungled police operation and for his perceived shortcomings.
The president, however, did not give the public apology that various sectors had demanded.
Aquino also said he is just a human who commits mistakes, but he was speaking the truth with God as his witness.
The Mamasapano crisis has pulled down Aquino's approval and trust ratings to their lowest levels. About 79 percent of Filipinos also believe that his explanation regarding the Mamasapano operation is "not enough."
In his Lenten message, Aquino challenged Filipinos to be truthful and be compassionate.
"Ang hamon nga sa atin bilang mga tagasunod ni Hesukristo: Tumotoo tayo hindi lang sa salita, kung hindi sa gawa," he said.