‘Ideally’: Bam Aquino’s not-so-ideal situation

2026-02-18 - 12:03

It seemed just like any regular early morning interview on GMA7’s “Unang Hirit” on Tuesday, February 17, when host Arnold Clavio interviewed Senator Bam Aquino on the Department of Education’s proposed trimester system, and then about the forthcoming 40th People Power anniversary. As a final question, Aquino was asked whether he favored the arrest of fellow senators Bato dela Rosa and Bong Go by the International Criminal Court (ICC) while the Senate was in session. Those who watched the interview expected Aquino to be his usual guarded and cautious self, and he was — for about 15 seconds. After saying that the matter would be taken up at a Senate caucus, he quickly shared his personal opinion that “ideally,” those involved in extrajudicial killings in the Philippines should be tried in the country where the alleged crimes happened. Not even his qualifier made at the end of his response — that he respected the process in the ICC in The Hague — could erase the implication of what he had just said, especially on his image. His quote quickly became viral and ignited a slew of angry, frustrated comments. Lawyer Mel Sta. Maria posed on Facebook, titled, “WHAT A DISAPPOINTMENT?!” — reflecting the sentiment of many others. “While the sentiment of Philippine-solutions-for-Philippine-problems is a favorite political soundbite, we must call this statement what it is: dangerously naive and imprudent. IF the case is tried here where the victims families are, still the danger of intimidation, extreme pressure cannot be discounted. Families and witnesses are often from the urban poor, making them highly vulnerable to bribery, threats, or physical violence. In a local trial, their identities and locations are much easier for local operatives to track. It is not safe,” Sta. Maria said. “Senator Aquino’s statement, well-meaning as it may be, ignores the global implications of these charges and the fragile hope currently held by the victims’ families. Would Senator Aquino want to also take this hope away? Iyon na lang tinatanganan nila, tatanggalin pa (It’s the only thing they’re holding on to, and it’s being taken away).” Law professor Dan Gatmaytan said in a Facebook post: “When he said ‘ideally,’ Bam Aquino is referring to a trial in the Philippines as the best case scenario. In fact, his reasoning is because the victims, families, and communities are all here. He also added that ‘justice is more meaningful where the crimes happened.’ The reasoning doesn’t change with or without the term ‘ideally.’ It remains stupid.” Others suggested that Aquino’s comment appears to be motivated by political longevity. “For the sake of discussion lang? Sino audience? May ina-appease ba? (Just for the sake of discussion? Who is the audience? Is anyone being appeased?) Did it advance justice?” asked political analyst Ronald Llamas, as quoted by News5. In a Facebook post, Llamas said: “’Yung ideal ba parang expectation vs reality? Ideally, may paninindigan ka pero imagination mo lang pala.” (Is ideal like expectation vs reality? Ideally, you have conviction but it’s only your imagination.) Former senator Sonny Trillanes also took exception to Aquino’s statement. “Besides, alam rin naman natin na ang justice system dito ay far from ideal lalo na sa mga makapangyarihan, so para saan pa ang statement mo? Pa-pogi lang sa mga DDS at the expense ng mga nagsakripisyo? That’s so insensitive and so unfair,” he said in a Facebook post. (Besides, we also know that the justice system here is far from ideal especially if powerful people are involved, so what is your statement for? To score brownie points from the DDS at the expense of those who have made sacrifices? That’s so insensitive and unfair.) Aquino’s staunch supporters continue to stand by him, but they, too, want him to “clarify” his statement. One of this supporters posted a lengthy plea in the thread of an unrelated post on his official Facebook page on Tuesday, asking him to speak up amid the criticism. She said she did not want “misunderstandings like this to damage your hard-earned reputation.” “I am praying for wisdom, clarity, and protection over you as you continue to serve. I truly hope you can clarify this soon to prevent further confusion and protect your name,” said the youth supporter, apparently among those who helped him earn a surprise No. 2 spot in the 2025 senatorial elections. How has Aquino responded? As of Wednesday, February 18, he has declined to address Trillanes’ criticism about his statement. – Rappler.com Must Read Ask Me Anything with ICC spokesperson Oriane Maillet