MANILA, Philippines - President Benigno Aquino III turned slightly emotional during his fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday as he echoed and amended a famous line from his late father.
With his voice shaking, Aquino remembered his parents, former Senator Benigno Aquino Jr. and his wife Cory, a former president.
"The Filipino is worth dying for. The Filipino is worth living for. Idagdag ko naman po, the Filipino is definitely worth fighting for," Aquino said.
The President's celebrity sister, Kris Aquino, was also seen breaking into tears.
With just about two more years in office, the President said he is satisfied with the accomplishments of his administration.
"...ako po masasabi ko kuntento na ako. Kuntento na po ako dahil panatag ang kalooban ko na kung ako po’y mawala na dito, marami po ang magpapatuloy ng ating tinahak na; baka iyon lang po talaga ang papel ko, na umpisahan ito," the President said.
During his second-to-the-last SONA, Aquino cited achievements in infrastructure, social welfare, education and military modernization, among others.