PNoy seeks support for Roxas, Robredo
President Aquino yesterday appealed to barangay (village) leaders to continue the gains of the administration by supporting the Mar Roxas-Leni Robredo tandem in the May 9 elections, citing the Bottom-Up Budgeting (BUB) project which was set up in 2013.
Under Aquino’s administration, 74.06 billion have been allocated for 54,000 approved BUB projects. The BUB, a reform program, promotes improve-
ments in government openness, accountability and responsiveness.
Aquino said that out of the 54,000 BUB projects, 13,712 have been completed while the rest will be finished by next year.
Empowered “Ganyan tayo sa Daang Matuwid. Kitang-kita kung saan tayo patungo: Tumataas ang estado ng bawat komunidad at direkta silang nabibigyan lakas na isulong pa ang positibong transpormasyon na maghahatid ng pakinabang sa lahat (This is how we are in the Straight Path, we have a clear path. Each community is empowered to push for positive transformation that will benefit everyone),” he said.
He said that under the Daang Matuwid, projects not only benefited administration allies but even those in the opposition.
According to Aquino, this attitude should remain permanent, especially if barangay leaders would help in promoting the right tandem who would continue the reforms started by his administration.
‘What is right’ “Tiwala ako sa aking mga boss na pipiliin niyo ang tama at makatwiran. Babaling sa may paninindigan at meron nang napatunayan at talagang dadalhin ang ating bansa sa tama nitong kalalagyan ( I am confident that my Boss will choose what is right and just; that you will stick with those who will stand firm, those that have proven their credibility and will bring our country to its proper place),” Aquino said.
Aquino also warned village leaders against risking the future of their constituents if they choose to support leaders who may not move the country forward.
Choose “Saan tayo pupunta? Sa sigurado o sa bahala na? Palagay ko, kung maayos tayo mag-isip, dito na tayo sa sigurado. Kaya kayo na ang bahala (What would you choose? Here where we are sure of our future or just leave it to chance? I think if we are thinking straight, we would pick someone whom we are sure of and I will leave it to you to ponder on),” Aquino said.
Earlier this week, President Aquino met with the League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP) and asked municipal mayors for their solid support for the Roxas-Robredo tandem in the May 9 elections.
Health challenge
Meanwhile, Roxas said that all presidential bets have the obligation to disclose to the public the status of their health condition.
Roxas statement came in reaction to calls by some groups for all the candidates, particularly the two highest posts of the land, not to hide the true status of their health.
Reports have been circulating that some of the candidates are suffering from various diseases but would not disclose them to the public for fear of losing the elections.
First to catch public attention was Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago who was diagnosed to have a stage 4 lung cancer. But the senator said her doctors have already cleared her.
Vice President Jejomar Binay was reported to have been suffering from lupus and is reportedly undergoing a regular dialysis. He, however, denied the allegation and insisted that he is strong as a carabao.
On the case of Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte, he was reportedly suffering from Buerger’s Disease, an inflammation of the blood vessels due to smoking.
It was recalled that the issue of health condition is what was seen to have caused the rift between Roxas and Duterte.
Duterte had accused Roxas of being behind the rumors that he has a throat cancer, an allegation which the latter vehemently denied.
For his part, Roxas said he is physically, mentally, and emotionally fit to run for public office.
He then likened running for presidency to a job application wherein everything is being checked, including the health condition of the applicants. (With a report from Aaron B. Recuenco)