The son of two famous democracy icons is calling for a new people power in the coming election.
President Aquino has called on Filipino voters to revive the people power spirit by supporting his preferred successor to ensure the continuity of the “Daang Matuwid” gains.
At the proclamation rally of Liberal Party candidates in Plaza Miranda, Manila, the President made the campaign pitch for Liberal Party standard-bearer Manuel A. Roxas II and his running mate Camarines Sur Rep. Leni Robredo while warning the public against other presidential candidates perceived to be corrupt, abusive, and inexperienced.
“Malinaw sa akin kung gusto natin magtuloy ang Daang Matuwid, kailangan nating ihalal, ikampanya, at ipaglaban sina Mar at Leni,” the President said.
“Sabi nga nila lahat ng may halaga o tunay na halaga, pinaghihirapan. Tungkulin natin isulong ang tama at ilapit sa iba ang ating paniniwala. Kailangan nating muling buhayin, ipakita ang lakas ng people power,” he added.
Unlike in previous campaign speeches, the President pulled no punches in discrediting Davao City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte, Sen. Grace Poe, and Vice President Jejomar C. Binay during the Manila proclamation rally, asking voters not to fall for those who offer empty promises and resort to unlawful shortcuts.
The President admitted he considers these three presidential bets as friends but stressed that being the father of the nation outweighs such friendship.
While saying nobody is perfect, Aquino was worried by the statements issued by Duterte, Poe, and Binay in the recent presidential debate.
When Davao City mayor promised to order the killing of criminals and drug lords if he becomes president, Aquino expressed concern that Duterte would become prosecutor, judge, and executioner. He said Duterte’s tendency to disregard due process should be a cause of concern for the public.
“Bawal ba sa kanyang palakad ang pagkakaroon ng kontrang opinyon at siya lang ang tama sa lahat ng pagkakataon? Kung ganyan nga ang sinasabi niya, ako lang ho ba dapat ang medyo kabahan sa pwedeng kahinatnan natin?” Aquino said.
“Pinapalabas po ni Manong Digong sa atin na talagang matigas na matigas na pinuno siya. Di ba dapat tayong mag-alala sa sinasabi niya? Maraming gagawin sa mabilis na panahon; di ba’t kaakibat noon ay shortcut at ano kaya ang ibig sabihin ng shortcut kung hindi kasama na rin ang pagsasabalewala na rin ng mga tamang proseso?” Aquino said.
The President said he considers Poe a friend but criticized that she is not yet ready to lead the country.
