Noy: Enemies want me out to restore corruption

MANILA, Philippines - President Aquino said yesterday enemies of reform want him out before his term ends so they can restore patronage politics and continue their corrupt ways.

“There are some who want to bring back the old system under which they earned lots of money. Since they know that I won’t let them do it, they want me out of the picture so that no one can go after them.” Aquino said in Filipino in a speech during the celebration of the 26th anniversary of the Presidential Security Group.

“We’re winning gradually. We’re restoring the trust of the people as well as their eagerness to improve,” he said. Aquino’s mother, the late former President Corazon Aquino, formed the PSG in 1986 shortly after the ouster of the Marcos dictatorship. The elite presidential guard unit was called Presidential Security Command during the Marcos regime.

The President also thanked Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, who used to command the PSG during his mother’s tenure, for helping repel nine coup attempts. Aquino survived an ambush attempt at the height of the 1987 coup. “If there is an attempt to seize Malacañang, you will be the government’s first line of defense. If you show weakness, the enemy can easily seize victory,” he said, addressing the presidential guards led by Army Col. Chito Dizon.

“I wish to thank the PSG personally. In the 1987 coup, you lost three of your men. Your unit saved me and a companion from certain death,” Aquino told officials and members of the PSG.

He said the PSG that Gazmin helped found in 1986 was a far cry from the PSC under Marcos, whose members had been instruments in carrying out the dictatorship’s oppressive policies.

“Secretary Gazmin’s efforts have bore fruit. The once feared is now a partner in public service, and it doesn’t hesitate to reach out to the people in fulfilling its task,” Aquino said.

He said he is confident of the PSG’s unquestionable commitment to helping his administration protect its gains in reforms. “I am determined, because I know the PSG is with me. You, who are my shield against those trying to block change. It’s not only me you are protecting, but also the Office of the President – the institution that advances the aspirations of the nation,” he said.

“Many have profited from wrongdoings, causing much suffering to the people. It’s clear: much in the status quo that we have come upon has not helped the people,” Aquino said.