Editorial

G loria M. Arroyo does not really know how to treat with respect the Office of the President of the Republic of the Philippines. In her eagerness to have a photo opportunity with President Barack H. Obama of the United States, she accepted an invitation for less-than sixty-minutes of audience at the Oval Office. Well, she and her clique can argue that it is more-than the “15 minutes of fame” slogan. But the meeting with Mr. Obama this afternoon will not give her and the American President fame but an infamous distinction of treating the presidency of the Philippines like dirt.

Mrs. Arroyo – if she and her advisers were only using their coconuts – should have waited for an invitation by the White House of a State or even an Official Visit. By going to the White House not on a State or Official Visit, the American President is not obligated to tender for her and her party a State Dinner, a press conference at the Rose Garden and other perks given to a visiting Head of State, such as a 21-gun salute when the Philippine presidential party lands at an American Air Force base. (The Philippine Airlines jumbo jet used by Mrs. Arroyo and her huge entourage just landed at a commercial airport – without any welcoming ceremony.) Mrs. Arroyo and even Mr. Obama have certainly disrespected the people of the Republic of the Philippines, which remains the most-loyal friend of the United States in Asia, if not in the Pacific Rim.

Perhaps the Filipino people will not forgive Mrs. Arroyo for displaying stupidity of the highest order at the highest office in the land. She has disrespected her office and embarrassed her people. The Philippines deserves a President, who can make Filipinos look good, feel good, proud of their multiethnic heritage and prouder of their positive contributions to the world, especially in the global economy and international law and order.

R eaders are invited again to read the following articles that support this editorial:

President Obama Gives Gloria Arroyo Only the “In-N-Out” Reception and Treats her like Dirt 

President Obama Has Time for Beer with Harvard Professor and Cop But Only “Burger Moments” for Gloria Arroyo on July 30? 

President Obama Ignores President Gloria Arroyo at the National Prayer Breakfast 

President Arroyo Does Not Really Get It (She Comes Back to the USA Begging Again)