Cruz warns Noy: I'll get grumpier

MANILA, Philippines - Retired Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop Oscar Cruz yesterday warned President Aquino to get used to him because he would become grumpier as he gets older.

“The older you get, the grumpier you are. I think that is the law of nature. There is nothing exceptionally extraordinary about that,” Cruz said.

Cruz told reporters that he has no intention of softening his comments on political matters, even after Mr. Aquino reportedly insinuated that he was a “grumpy old man” who has never said a positive thing about him.

The 75-year-old retired bishop also defended his being outspoken.

“Even before this, I said of course I am (outspoken). Having reached this age, I should have very strong opinion,” he said.

But he denied that he was singling out Aquino.

In fact, he has been very vocal in his beliefs and opinions after his term as president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), even during the terms of former Presidents Joseph Estrada and Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

Cruz said he would continue to be observant and old and grumpy.

“I will continue to do what I am doing, which is pointing out the realities in the administration which could help it better serve its purpose,” he added.

Instead of hitting him, he advised the 50-year-old President to learn how to deal with criticism, because “the old maxim or the principle is that you listen to others about yourself so that you will know really who you are rather than you listening to yourself telling you how great and how handsome (you are).”

Mr. Aquino had recently told a press conference in Malacañang that Cruz had not said anything positive about him and even implied that the bishop is a “grumpy old man.”

Cruz said that there were officials in the Aquino administration who were reportedly benefiting from the illegal gambling operations, particularly jueteng.

He said that it is possible that Aquino was peeved with his observations.

“I would understand if he feels offended at times and he takes it personally but I have never said anything personal about him, so far it has always been official matters that I spoke about.”

Cruz also denied that he has never said a positive thing about the new leader.

He recalled that when Aquino won the May 10 polls, he had expressed hope for the success of his administration since there were several problems confronting the country.

Cruz also assured Aquino that he was not offended because “that is his perception of me and I have to accept that. I thank him for this observation because it comes from the President.”