PNoy defends Kris on chopper use

MANILA, Philippines – President Benigno Aquino III defended his younger sister Kris Aquino from critics who attacked her for using a presidential helicopter to attend a Liberal Party (LP) campaign sortie.

Aquino said the actress and TV host is one of the country’s big taxpayers who deserve to see the successes of his administration.

"Whether as an individual taxpayer or somebody who was very close to me, who shared all of the burdens, I think it’s just but proper na i-share naman the successes, share kami sa hirap, share ko rin ‘yung success,” said Aquino in a press briefing.

“Gusto ko namang ipakita sa kanya: Tingnan mo ang resulta na talagang nagiging makabuluhan at may saysay itong demokrasyang ipinaglaban ng mga magulang natin,” he added.

Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said the president’s immediate family are not prohibited to ride with him in official government vehicles.

Critics slammed Kris after photos showing her allegedly using a presidential helicopter while campaigning for the administration’s presidential candidate Manuel “Mar” Roxas and running mate Leni Robredo went viral.

Aquino claimed his sister volunteered to join the LP campaign sorties.                      

Roxas also came to the defense of the presidential sister, claiming that her presence did not entail additional costs.

“It did not require extra costs. If the president flew (to attend the sortie), she just tagged along with him,” he said.

Roxas added there are “courtesies and privileges extended to the president’s companions.”