‘Punching bag’ Noy thanks all, from SB to Yolly

MANILA, Philippines - It was an emotional swan song for President Aquino as he devoted a part of his two-hour State of the Nation Address yesterday to thank his “bosses” and everyone who had helped him face the challenges of the presidency.

Apart from Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr., Senate President Franklin Drilon and Cabinet members, Aquino also thanked his personal staff, officials of the Presidential Security Group, his clothing designer Paul Cabral, and his housekeeper of 20 years Yolly Yebes.

The housekeeper, who was in the audience at the Batasang Pambansa, wiped away tears as she was mentioned by the President.

“In this job, I sometimes feel like a punching bag precariously held together by duct tape,” he said. “But I have never wavered because you are behind me. Is is true: I am not alone.”

He also thanked all those who helped during disasters, and those who expressed support for him through text messages, letters or personal gestures – “to every child who embraced my leg, looked up and smiled; every student who has asked to have a selfie with me; and to each person who waded through crowds just to shake my hand.”

“To every Filipino who has made this change possible, thank you. It is a great honor being your leader,” he said.