Cayetano slams Aquino’s ‘word play’ on haircut, evasion of WPS issue

FILE: Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano (KING RODRIGUEZ/PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO)

The country’s Foreign Affairs secretary slammed former President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III after the latter’s remarks comparing their hairstyles and the politics surrounding the issues on the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

Through an open letter, Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Alan Peter Cayetano wrote to Aquino his response.

“It’s regrettable that you chose to play with words, including comparing our haircuts, in responding to an immensely important issue and addressing people’s main questions about the situation at the WPS,” Cayetano initially wrote.

“While we both lost some of our hair, your administration lost control of Scarborough and a great opportunity to expand tourism, infrastructure, and agriculture,” he added.

The Foreign Affairs secretary also explained that in Aquino’s term, the county lost opportunities for cooperation in fields like science and technology and protection of the environment because of the former president’s moves and approach together with former DFA Secretary Albert Del Rosario and Senator Antonio “Sonny” Trillanes IV.

Cayetano then went on with listing down 11 questions for Aquino to answer “rather than debate.”

“Our people await your response to these questions in earnest, to be fully informed finally of the background of our complicated situation. Your response will help us decide on how to proceed further in shaping our policy with China,” he further wrote, then adding, “If, indeed, transparency is important to you as you claim, then consider your early response to these questions as crucial.”

Cayetano was referring to Aquino’s response yesterday saying that transparency is the hallmark of his administration and that he has no secrets, with the embassy of Beijing holding records. This was when Aquino proceeded on saying that he and the incumbent DFA secretary have a similar hairstyle, adding that both of them are ‘transparent’ with it.

The former president quickly clarified that he is not insulting Cayetano, but just said that both of them should also be transparent on both their respective politics, just as with their hair.

As former allies, Cayetano noted that Aquino often reminded him that solutions should also be presented – not just plain criticism.

“You are right about it. May we have your alternatives or proposals instead of merely criticizing the government today?” the DFA secretary currently serving under President Rodrigo Roa Duterte’s administration ended.