MANILA, Philippines - President Aquino yesterday continued his attack against the rivals of administration standard bearer Manuel Roxas II in the 2016 elections.
“Throughout every election, you have probably seen every possible character: the false prophets, the wannabe messiahs, the corrupt patrons and the well-intentioned but ill-equipped candidates,” Aquino told journalists at the Bulong Pulungan during their annual Christmas party at the Sofitel Hotel in Pasay City.
As in Rome, Aquino did not identify who he was alluding to in his statement.
Obviously referring to Roxas, the President said, “We finally have someone selling a vision – with a track record that proves that this vision is not only achievable but probable through the continuity of reform.
“For the first time in memory, there is a valid call to continue the upward trajectory of our country,” Aquino added.
He urged the journalists to help him campaign for Roxas.
“I trust that, as exemplars of your profession, you will continue to do your part to speak the truth and deliver our message of hope – not only in the next six months, but even long after I leave office,” Aquino said.
The President believes that Roxas is still the man to beat in 2016.
“People start talking about my endorsement, I think that is proof that there is value to that endorsement, right? If it has no value, why bring attention to it?” Aquino said.
He made the statement in reaction to the latest Social Weather Stations survey, which indicated that his endorsement has no weight as shown in the ratings of Roxas, who dropped to fourth place among the presidential aspirants.
Aquino also hit the administration of former President and now Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos.
He urged members of the media to be instrumental in ensuring the reforms will continue in the next six years.
He warned the people against those who will be relentless in making sure that they retake the reins of powers.
“It is that message that enabled all of us to stand up against a dictator in 1986; dismantle the system of lying, cheating and stealing in government in 2010, and in turn lay the foundations for a Philippines that now works, a country where no one is left behind,” Aquino said.
“They are the same individuals who cannot afford another defeat. Still, there are others whose intentions are belied by their propensity for offering the moon and the stars, without actually putting forward any sort of context or plan for our collective future,” he added.