P-Noy: We have moved forward

MANILA, Philippines - The country has moved forward and risen from “massive corruption and poverty one and a half years since the new administration decided to tread the right path,” President Aquino said yesterday.

In his New Year’s message to Filipinos, the President said the government is “slowly winning” the fight against poverty and corruption since his assumption to office.

He said people could make the comparison themselves from the times that passed.

“No matter how much they try to sow confusion in our minds, no one will doubt that the Philippines has indeed changed,” Aquino said.

“Now, we are bringing back the blindfold in justice. Progress is being experienced not just by the rich and the powerful, but by many of our fellowmen,” he said.

The President said people could see the fruits of reforms and there is fervent enthusiasm and hope, high level of confidence, and wider opportunities in the country.

Aquino also said in an interview with ANC’s “Strictly Politics” that he is grateful for the high ratings he has been getting despite the criticisms.

He said one lady made an impression on him because she told him not to listen to the media all the time but to ordinary people like her.

“So why did I really like the comment? Why did it make an impression? They (critics) think… they can sway this or that. Here, they can see through propaganda and my bosses (the people) have clear minds, the direction they want to think is clear and most especially where we want to go,” Aquino said.