Life after the presidency may be a bit complicated for President Aquino in terms of finances.
With his term about to end in a few months, the President is mulling to live on his pension income if he cannot find possible job opportunities to help to keep him afloat.
The 56-year President admitted facing a dilemma about his post-presidency livelihood since he is prohibited from working in industries that were previously under his supervision at least for a year.
“105 days na lang po, retirado na po ako,” Aquino said during the celebration of the 30th anniversary of the Center for Agriculture and Rural Development Mutually Reinforcing Institutions in Bay, Laguna.
“Alam niyo, sa batas ho natin, yung members of the Cabinet, ako – I cannot participate in an industry that I used to regulate. Dahil Pangulo ako, nire-regulate ko lahat. Ibig sabihin noon, bawal ako magtrabaho nang one year. Kaya sabi ko, ‘Parang okay yun. Wala kang kikitain nang one year.’ Ang ikabubuhay mo, sana sumapat yung pension at saka yung savings,” Aquino added.
Aquino said he is already exploring possible livelihood opportunities, including going into farming if possible.
“Problema ko na ho yun, hindi niyo problema. Iniisip ko nga kung puwede ba akong magsaka dahil saklaw na ng Department of Agriculture. Baka may issue pa rin yun,” he added.
Aquino said Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima would actually have a harder time since he cannot work in banks and other financial institutions for two years. Such restriction comes since Purisima is a member of the Monetary Board, he added.
The President will end his six-year term on June 30, 2016, carrying out an ambitious reform agenda that promote good governance, economic resurgence, among others, in the country.
Aquino has endorsed his close ally Manuel A. Roxas as his preferred successor in order to continue the gains of his presidency.
Based on his 2014 Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth, the President became richer by P1.8 million due to a new land inheritance and higher cash assets.
The bachelor leader’s net worth reached P68.311 million in 2014, compared to P66.494 million in 2013. He declared six real estate properties amounting to P32.6 million and personal properties worth P35.6 million in his 2014 SALN.