House opposition bloc vows to support Aquino

MANILA, Philippines - Members of the opposition bloc in the House of Representatives led by Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo vowed yesterday to cooperate with President Aquino and support his programs but would still keep a close watch over his governance for possible irregularities.

Zambales Rep. Milagros Magsaysay and Quezon Rep. Danilo Suarez said the 27-member House minority group would not be obstructionist in performing its role as fiscalizers.

“No matter what you do, we only have one President, we in the minority want the administration of President Noynoy to succeed, his programs and goals are also our goals. All of us want our country to progress so we’ll just give advice,” Magsaysay told the Serye news forum in Quezon City.

“We are also here if there are measures that need to be supported. Who does not want the President to succeed? We all want this country to be great,” Arroyo’s brother-in-law, Negros Occidental Rep. Ignacio “Iggy” Arroyo, said.

The statements came after Mr. Aquino renewed his offensive against his predecessor in his first State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday.

Arroyo’s spokeswoman, Elena Bautista-Horn, said while Mr. Aquino’s SONA was scathing, the congresswoman would prefer to move on after correcting many of his figures in his speech.

“We are committed to support the Aquino administration and it cannot be that everyday we will correct his facts. I wish let’s help each other,” Bautista-Horn said.

Lanao del Norte Rep. Aliah Dimaporo said the President should focus on moving the country forward as lawmakers would want to align their bills with his legislative agenda.

Magsaysay said they will not be like the opposition when Arroyo was president.

“We’re mature and we will not hit for the sake of hitting. We will criticize if we need to criticize, praise if there is something praiseworthy,” she said.