Aquino toasts ‘stability and prosperity’ in yearly reception for diplomatic corps

MANILA, Philippines—President Benigno Aquino toasted the “stability and prosperity” of the Philippines as he welcomed members of the diplomatic corps to the annual New Year’s reception in Malacañang.

In his speech before the toast, Aquino spoke of his administration’s plans to strengthen the programs to help Filipinos, upgrade the country’s defenses and bring to account people who committed wrongdoing with impunity in the past.

Among those in attendance at the annual reception were Vice President Jejomar Binay, Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile, House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte, the dean of the diplomatic corps, Papal Nuncio Giuseppe Pinto and foreign ambassadors.

Impeached Chief Justice Renato Corona was conspicuously absent from the affair. Corona’s impeachment trial in the Senate, which was initiated by Aquino’s allies in the House of Representatives, is scheduled to start on Monday.

No official was immediately available to explain Corona’s apparent absence.

“This year we will strengthen the programs that work for our countrymen such as… education, health, housing and others like our conditional cash transfer program,” Aquino said.

“We will not relent in our quest to hold accountable those who seek to perpetuate the culture of impunity in our country,” he added.