Aquino: We understand LP members transferring to other parties

MANILA, Philippines – President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III on Thursday afternoon said he has no hard feelings and not bothered by Liberal Party (LP) members who reportedly transferred to other parties after the May 9 polls.

In a press conference in Tarlac, Aquino said LP members transferring to other parties might probably be only thinking of the interest of their local governments.

“Naintindihan natin iyon ano, merong mga napapag-isip kasi sabi nga natin bawat kinatawan siyempre kumakatawan ka lang sa isang distrito, ikaw ‘yung kanilang kinatawan at kailangang pangalaagan mo yung interes ng iyong kinasasakupan. So, baka sa kanilang pananaw mas matutupad nila yung kanilang mga pangako sa distrito nila sa pagsanib sa ibang grupo,” Aquino explained.

Despite member loss, Aquino is positive that LP still gained members and reported that some members will return to LP. He said they are not forcing people to join their party.

In jest,  Aquino said that in 2010, membership in his party was said to be able to fit inside a Volkswagen Bettle because of its size. However, he said they fought for what is right and earned allies along the way within the six years of his presidency.

“So noong ipinaglaban namin yung tama bagamat kokonti kami, nagkaroon ng anim taon na naging marami kami pero hindi kami namilit na sumanib samin ‘yung mga ibang kampo,” he said.

Aquino cited that several governors of provinces can attest that his administration did not look into parties and continued to help all who are in need despite party and color.

“Napakaraming gobernardor ang magsasabi hindi ko sila kapartido nung 2010, hindi nila ako tinulungan nung kampanyang iyon at nagugulat sila sa itinulong namin sa kanilang bawat lalawigan at dahil dun kumbaga hindi namin kasama nung araw gusto biglang sumama samin lalo na nitong tailend nitong ating administrasyon,” Aquino said.

“So ito kinagagalak ko na rin, para bang kinikilala nila na talaga namang marami tayong pinagambagan na parang  ‘yung ating mga mata walang tinitignang kulay na kabahagi,” he added.

The outgoing president mentioned that there were even three officials from another party who are thanking him yesterday. He said he explained to them that his administration would help regardless of area or party.