Aquino to critics: Spread love, not dissent

MANILA, Philippines — In a non-combative tone unlike in his televised address last week, President Benigno Aquino III on Monday urged his critics to help the administration instead of sowing political discord.

Speaking at the inauguration of the Iglesia ni Cristo's (INC) Philippine Arena in Bulacan, Aquino said the government and his critics should be united in working for the nation's welfare.

"Sa trabaho po nating ito na pagsusulong ng reporma, hindi maiiwasan na meron tayong makakaaway. Meron pong iilan na anuman ang gawin ko, gaya ng pagdalo nito, ay maghahanap pa rin ng pwedeng mabatikos," Aquino said.

"Paalala ko lang sa kanila: kung kapwa ko kayo Kristiyano, tungkulin nating magmahalan sa ngalan ng Panginoon sa halip na maghasik ng agam-agam at 'di-pagkakaunawan," the President added.

Aquino's remarks came while his administration continues to face criticisms arising from the Disbursement Acceleration Program (DAP), which was declared partially unconstitutional by the Supreme Court (SC).

In his fiery televised address on July 14, Aquino urged the SC to reconsider its DAP ruling and help his administration in pursuing reforms.

The President himself has been criticized for allegedly sowing political discord after he warned the SC against the possibility of having two equal branches of government going head to head over the DAP controversy.

In another speech the following the day, Aquino continued to hit the SC, saying its decision on the DAP will have a "chilling effect" on the economy, which could be placed in state of paralysis.

Read: Aquino tells SC: 'Huwag n'yo kaming hadlangan' | Aquino: SC decision on DAP may paralyze Phl growth

Aquino also made his newest message to his critics amid his declining ratings, which have reached their lowest levels in the latest surveys of both Pulse Asia and Social Weather Stations.

Read: Aquino suffers biggest rating drop in Pulse Asia, SWS polls