Aquino to bosses: I fulfilled my promises

MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED 11:58 a.m.) — In what could be his last speech as Philippine president, President Benigno Aquino III on said Sunday that he has fulfilled his promises to his "bosses."

Aquino said he will end his term with pride that he has left the Philippines a better place compared to when he took over the top post of the land.

"Sa ating pamamahala, ang Pilipinas ay magiging marangal at responsableng kasapi ng pandaigdigang komunidad," Aquino said in his speech at the Vin D'Honneur with the diplomatic corps for the commemoration of Philippine's 118th Independence Day.

President Aquino: Sa huli kong pagharap sa aking mga Boss at sa koro diplomatiko bilang Pangulo, masasabi ko: Tinupad ko ang panata ko.

— Official Gazette PH (@govph) June 12, 2016

"Sa huli kong pagharap sa aking mga Boss at sa koro diplomatiko bilang Pangulo, masasabi ko: Tinupad ko ang panata ko," he added.

Aquino said that Filipinos assisted by his administration know that he has fulfilled his campaign promise, citing the beneficiaries of PhilHealth insurance and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, among others.

The outgoing president said several graduates have benefited from jobs opened up in his watch, while those from rural areas now enjoy port, airports and other infrastructure built by the government he led. Aquino also took pride that those living in several conflict areas now experience peace, and that economy gains have been recognized by the international community.

"Alam ito ng tumatamasa ng panibagong oportunidad dahil sa paglago ng ekonomiya—mula sa Sick Man of Asia, ngayon, Darling of Asia na," Aquino said.

"Alam ito ng mundong humahanga sa  paninindigan, integredidad at sagisag ng Filipino," he added.

Aquino attributed his legacy to the continued practice of democracy and freedom won by Filipino heroes 118 years ago, as well as by his parents in the 1980s. Aquino's father, martyred Sen. Benigno Aquino II, fought against the Marcos dictatorship, while his mother, late President Corazon Aquino, effectively toppled martial rule in succeeding to the presidency.

"Naabot natin ang lahat ng tinatamasa natin ngayon nang gumagalang sa proseso at sa batas at sa karapatan ng bawat tao," Aquino said.

"Nagawa natin nang hindi sinisingil ang tinig ng sinuman," he said.

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Editor's Note: The occasion of President Aquino's speech before the diplomatic corps has been added at 11:57 a.m. to give more context to the setting.