The government has no intention of engaging in poll fraud and would instead ensure the May 9, 2016 elections would reflect the true will of people, President Aquino assured last Monday.

The President made a firm commitment of clean and credible elections as he bade farewell to the people of Samar during a visit Monday afternoon.

“There’s a joke that in the Philippines, there are two candidates – the winners and those who were cheated. But I have never cheated in all my life. I have no plan to allow cheating to happen here,” Aquino told the audience gathered at the packed Calbayog sports complex here.

“It is my obligation to make sure that the will of the people will prevail in the May 9 polls,” added Aquino.

The President, who will end his six-year term on June 30, traveled to Samar to rally support for his preferred successor, Mar Roxas, in the May elections. Prior to Samar, Aquino visited Leyte to inaugurate a major road project and make a campaign pitch for the administration candidates.

Aquino, in his speech, affirmed that it has been an honor and privilege to serve the Filipino nation, as he highlighted the country’s economic success story under his watch.

With the cooperation and support of the people, Aquino said the country has attained a lot, from having record-low unemployment rate, better infrastructure and social services, to greater economic opportunities for Filipinos.

Aquino said these “Daang Matuwid” gains could be expanded if Roxas and his running mate Leni Robredo are elected into office. Both Roxas and Robredo have the integrity and competence to lead the country to greater progress in the next six years, he added.

Aquino also cautioned Samar voters against supporting other candidates who merely offer empty promises and might take a “U-turn” back to the old crooked system.

He also took a swipe anew at Vice President Jejomar Binay in his speech, saying the candidate has promised to expand the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) to 5Ps without presenting concrete plans on how to implement it. He was skeptical about feasibility of Binay’s plans to reduce income taxes while expanding social services.

He likewise criticized Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. for his supposed audacity to claim the support of the people of Samar.

Without mentioning the name of Marcos, Aquino noted that the people of Samar have voiced opposition to martial law and would likely not support a candidate who does not recognize the abuses of the past. Aquino was concerned that Marcos might claim he was cheated of victory if he loses in the May polls.

Prior to the President’s speech, his sister Kris Aquino added vitality to the Liberal Party campaign as she gave a key endorsement of Roxas to the crowd gathered at the complex.

Kris played host to the question and answer forum with Roxas to the delight of the audience. Some residents clamored for more infrastructure, livelihood and social services from Roxas who in turn promised to do his best if elected president.

Kris attested that Roxas would continue the reforms initiated by her brother and would lead the country with integrity. She said public funds would go to intended projects and beneficiaries not the pocket of Roxas.

Under the leadership of Roxas, she also emphasized that “Daang Matuwid” must also “Daang Maginhawa” for all.

Source:
courtesy of MANILA BULLETIN

by Genalyn Kabiling

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