Governance work remains a priority of President Aquino in the final months in office despite his random campaign work for the administration candidates, according to a Palace official.
Presidential Communications Operations Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. has dispelled speculations that the President’s duties to the nation might be disrupted by joining the campaign trail of the Liberal Party in the coming weeks.
“Ang Pangulo ng Pilipinas ay patuloy na nagbibigay ng prayoridad na atensyion sa lahat ng mga mahalagang programa ng pamahalaan, sinusubaybayan at tinututukan ang lahat ng mga kaganapang umaapekto sa kabuhayan at kapakanan ng mga mamamayan,” Coloma told reporters in the Palace when asked how the President intends to delineate his governance work from partisan political activities.
“Napaka-hands on ang approach ng ating Pangulo sa kanyang pagiging Chief Executive ng ating bansa at hindi kailanman maapektuhan ang kanyang pagi-ging epektibong Chief Executive sa kanyang paglahok sa mga aktibidad na patungkol sa kampanya” Coloma added.
Coloma assured that the President could function as chief executive while rallying support for the “Daang Matuwid” coalition.
He argued that in all countries, it is a reality that the incumbent head of state or government is a participant in democratic or electoral processes. “Hindi naman tuluyang o ganap na maipaghihiwalay ang mga bagay na iyan,” he added.
Last Tuesday, the President led the campaign kickoff of Liberal Party standard bearer Mar Roxas and his running mate Leni Robredo in Capiz and Iloilo.
Aquino, who will end his six-year term on June 30, has asked the electorate to choose the administration’s presidential tandem, saying they have the integrity and competence to continue and expand the gains of his government. He warned that the economic growth and other gains attained by the country under his watch may be derailed if candidates who are “epals,” “papogi” and drunk in power are elected into office.
The two political rallies of the Liberal Party were described as “meeting with local leaders and the community” in the President’s official schedule.
Prior to these LP assemblies, Aquino went to “governance” engagements, first the inauguration of road project in Dao, Capiz and later a classroom project in Pavia, Iloilo.
