Like Ateneo-La Salle: Noy wants 'healthy rivalry' among politicos

MANILA, Philippines - A day after lashing out at his enemies for spreading rumors about his health, President Benigno Aquino III on Tuesday called for a "healthy rivalry" among politicians.

During a special luncheon in Malacañang for the women's volleyball teams of the Ateneo De Manila University (ADMU) and the De La Salle University (DLSU), Aquino said there is so much to learn from the famous rivalry of the two squads, who clashed for the UAAP title recently.

"Sa panahon ngayon kung saan may mga nagtutulak ng kaguluhan at pagkawatak-watak sa iba't ibang bahagi ng mundo at maging dito sa atin, maraming pwedeng matutunan sa ipinakita niyong mabuting halimbawa," said Aquino, an Ateneo alumnus himself.

He said politicians should be like the ADMU and DLSU players who upheld the "spirit of unity and sportsmanship" despite the competition and the intense pressure to win.

Like the college athletes, Aquino said politicians should be able to set aside competition and differences.

"Naisip ko rin po, sana ang mga politiko pati na ang mga kasapi ng iba't ibang sektor ng ating lipunan ay ganito rin ang maipamalas na ugnayan," Aquino said.

"Kapag tinanaw nila ang isang tunggalian o kompetisyon, matanong sana nila sa kanilang mga sarili: Healthy ba ang rivalry na ito? Kapag naman may kritisismo, matanong sana nila, constructive ba ito?" he added.

In his speech at the special luncheon, Aquino praised the ADMU and DLSU players for maintaining mutual relations despite the rivalry of their schools.

"Sa likod ng matinding kompetisyon at kantyawan ay mga tunay na magkakatuwang at magkakaibigan," Aquino told the volleyball players.

"Kahit pa nasa sentro kayo ngayon ng age-old rivalry ng Ateneo at La Salle, hindi kayo tuluyang nagpapadala sa girian at sa asaran," he also said.

Aquino said the athletes were also able to prove to older generations the power of humility and of showing regards to others.