Aquino hits GMA, critics anew

MANILA, Philippines - President Benigno Aquino III did not miss in taking a swipe at the past administration and his critics when he addressed government leaders on Friday.

Speaking to his Cabinet members and allies in Congress, Aquino recalled the allegations of corruption that hounded former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo such as the fertilizer fund scam, the NBN-ZTE deal and the alleged 2004 election fraud.

"Namanhid na ang taumbayan; marami ang halos sumuko na sa kanilang gobyerno dahil parang napakaimposible nga namang buwagin ang maling sistema, kung ang mismong nasa tuktok ang promotor nito," Aquino said during his agenda-setting dialogue.

Aquino said the economy suddenly grew before the 2010 elections because a potential change in governance was then imminent.

The president also cited the achievements of his administration such as various infrastructure projects and the conditional cash transfer program, among others. He then criticized the Arroyo administration for failing to implement these.

"Ang mga ito, inambisyon ng iba, pinangako ng iba, at tayo na nga po ang tumupad," Aquino said.

"Ang mga tagumpay pong ito, kinaya natin; bakit hindi kinaya ng iba? Hindi lang natin ginawa ang dapat gawin; nilagpasan pa natin ito," he added.

Aquino then lashed back at those who continue to criticize the programs of his administration.

"Ang problema po, tuloy ang pagkontra nila habang tayo’y nagtatanim, pero tiyak ko po, pagdating sa panahon na aanihin na ang mga bunga nito, sila pa ang mangunguna sa pagpapapapel," he said.

He also reiterated some of his remarks during his State of the Nation Address that those against his reforms are also against the benefits brought to the people.

"Kung sabihin naman nila, sang-ayon sila sa mga ito at pakay din nilang arugain ang ating mga boss, ang magiging tanong ko po sa kanila: Bakit hindi namin kayo nakasama?" Aquino asked.

"Kung sang-ayon kayo, bakit pinipili ninyong sumalungat sa aming ipinaglalaban, kaysa sumama na lang kayo’t makiambag sa positibong transpormasyon ng lipunan?" the president added.

As for his allies in government, Aquino urged them to continue working hard and tread the straight path.

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