During periods of crisis, it is incumbent upon leaders to convey a sense of empathy in a way that collectivizes and shares the pain and suffering felt by the community in response to a tragedy.

The crest of public sympathy for the Aquinos was what Noynoy rode all the way to Malacanan this year – similar to the way in which his mother swept Mr Marcos from office back in 1986 with the wave of outrage over her husband’s assassination.

Ironically, a little over a year since her passing, the carnage of hostages comprised of Chinese citizens at his inaugural site covered live by the media has led to public outrage and sparked initial condemnation from China over his government’s handling of the incident.