Noy: Critics out to erode my endorsement power

TIAONG, Quezon, Philippines  – President Aquino yesterday lashed out at his critics for spreading rumors about his health.

In a speech here, where he was briefed on the South Luzon Expressway Toll Road 4 project and other road projects in Southern Tagalog, Aquino said his critics have gone too far in their efforts to grab power or destroy his credibility and diminish his influence in endorsing candidates in 2016.

On Friday night, rumors circulated that the President had collapsed or suffered a nervous breakdown. Another version was that he had tripped and hit his head and was confined in an intensive care unit.

“When they saw me on Saturday night without any health problem, a new rumor came out: that we were the ones who spread this fiction to get the sympathy of the public,” Aquino said.

“To those who believe this, our elders have this reminder: we don’t gain anything from rumors,” he added.

The President said his critics were determined to sow intrigue and confusion.

“Are we going to trust those opposed to the straight path when their desire to instill doubts and trouble in the minds of the public has gone to the extreme?” Aquino said.

“They are the ones making rumors without sense or basis to push for their own agenda. They… want to grab power and benefit again from a crooked system. If we… believe the rumors… we will… come out doing nothing, and everything that we have done from the time we assumed office will be wasted,” he added.

Aquino said a lot has changed since he took over, and he could not help but ask why he remains a target of criticisms when he is not a candidate in 2016.

Endorsing power

“The answer to that is simple: If I am able to do good and maybe our critics acknowledge this, naturally, if we endorse (a candidate), it will have importance,” the President said.

Aquino is expected to endorse Interior and Local Government Secretary Manuel Roxas II in next year’s presidential elections. Roxas gave way to Aquino in 2010 and ran instead as his vice presidential candidate.

Aquino said his critics are resolved to discredit the gains of his administration.

“That way, when they promise that they will do better, it will be easier. But here in Quezon, Batangas, Laguna, Bicol and other areas, Filipinos don’t get fooled by people who do not speak the truth,” he said.

The President said he would use his remaining days in office to effect more long-term reforms and ensure that whoever would succeed him would continue to strengthen institutions so they could not be taken advantage of by corrupt officials. –With Delon Porcalla