Aquino: Next leader should continue ‘tuwid na daan’

Philippine President Benigno Aquino III, bottom, adjusts his glasses as Senate President Franklin Drilon looks on during his 5th State of the Nation Address during the joint session of the 16th Congress at the House of Representatives in suburban Quezon city, north of Manila, Philippines Monday, July 28, 2014. (AP Photo/Aaron Favila)

MANILA, Philippines – Although still mum on who he wants as successor, President Benigno Aquino III on Monday urged the public to ensure that his reforms will live on.

“Lalong magiging sulit ang pagod at sakripisyo natin kung ang nasimulan natin ay itutuloy ninyo.

Kayo ang magpapasya kung itutuloy ng pagbabago,” he said near the end of his fifth State of the Nation (Sona) address.

(The tiring work and sacrifices will all be worth it if you will continue what we have started. You will decide if change will continue.)

Aquino pointed out that he only has one Sona left and that in 2015, the people will have to choose a new leader of the country.

He said he hopes what his administration has achieved will be considered just the start of change.

For the past months, Aquino had been urging the public to vote in 2016 someone who will be able to continue his reforms. He and his spokespersons have refused to mention who the Liberal Party will field in the next elections but Interior Secretary Manuel Roxas II is a top candidate.