TARLAC, Philippines – President Aquino has called on the people to respect the choice of the majority for the country’s next leaders and unite for the sake of the Philippines after a campaign that has been deemed vicious at times and divisive.
Aquino voted for his successor yesterday morning at precinct 175-A at the Central Azucarera de Tarlac Elementary School here wearing a mocha shirt instead of his trademark yellow and denim pants.
The President, who was with his sisters Ballsy Cruz and Pinky Abellada, waited in line along with other voters. Aquino did not give any statement to reporters after he voted. His officials said he would proceed to Malacañang to monitor the elections.
An old cap bearing the President’s nickname and the word “pagbabago” or change along with his signature hung inside a classroom of the school.
Aquino won overwhelmingly in the 2010 elections where people clamored for an end to corruption and other scandals besetting the past administration.
In a statement issued on the eve of the polls on Sunday, the President stressed that in a democracy, everyone would make a decision and this must be respected.
“In the end, after the elections, the bickering will hopefully end. Let us respect and understand whatever decision that comes out of the collective voice of the majority,” Aquino said.
The President said the electoral process was a chance to show the whole world that even if emotions ran high during the campaign period, the Philippines was capable of conducting peaceful and orderly elections reflective of the true spirit of democracy.He said the elections were the great equalizer as each Filipino, whatever their situation in life, has one vote each.Aquino endorsed former interior secretary Manuel Roxas II to be his successor and Camarines Sur Rep. Leni Robredo for vice president.
The President actively campaigned for the two along with the rest of the Koalisyon ng Daang Matuwid candidates, saying the straight path must be continued.
During sorties held around the country, Aquino enumerated the gains of the administration and slammed those who would like to revert back to dictatorship.
He called on the people to help him elect the right leaders, noting he could not do everything alone.
In his final pitch for Roxas and Robredo on Saturday, Aquino said it was a great honor for him to be part of a peaceful turnover of power to the next administration.
Aquino said the next leader of the land must help the people fulfill their dreams in ways where fear of God, justice, humanity and the true spirit of the Filipino were reflected. – With Ric Sapnu