Aquino admin ready for attacks from Miriam, Bongbong

MANILA, Philippines - The Aquino administration is ready to face more criticisms from presidential aspirant Sen. Miriam Defensor Santiago and her running mate, Sen. Ferdinand Marcos Jr., Malacañang said Thursday.

Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said in a press briefing that the record of the Aquino administration is open for public scrutiny.

"We are confident it will withstand or it will pass the test of public scrutiny, as the Aquino administration has purposively established an open, transparent and accountable governance system pursuant to the goals of 'Daang Matuwid,'" Coloma said.

"Kaya't walang agam-agam o pangangamba na hindi matutugunan (ang) kahit ano mang pagpuna dahil hayag naman at may pananagutan ang administrasyon," he added.

Santiago, who first ran for president in the 1992 elections, will be gunning for the position again in next year's polls.

She will be filing her certificate of candidacy on Friday and will team up with Marcos, who filed his on Wednesday.

Earlier, Coloma said the inclusion of Santiago and Marcos in the presidential and vice presidential races, respectively, will benefit voters.

"Our people are provided with a wide latitude of choice and an opportunity to compare platforms for governance and track records," Coloma said in reaction to Marcos's vice presidential bid.

Coloma made the statement after Santiago announced her presidential candidacy. He also praised the senator for her carving a public service record that spanned over 20 years in all three branches of government.