Aquino enjoys Akbayan support despite Bello plea

Ronald Llamas. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines – One of its representatives may be calling for the head of two Cabinet members but that doesn’t mean that Akbayan has turned against President Benigno Aquino III.

Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said he was able to speak with Presidential political adviser Ronald Llamas, one of the leaders of Akbayan, on Tuesday.

“Nilinaw po niya sa akin na patuloy ang suporta ng Akbayan Partylist kay Pangulong Aquino at sa mga programang pang-reporma ng administrasyon,” Coloma said.

(He clarified that Akbayan Partylist continues to support President Aquino and the reform program of his administration.

However, Coloma admitted that they were not able to discuss Akbayan Representative Walden Bello’s letter to Aquino, calling for the sacking of Budget Secretary Florencio “Butch” Abad and Agrarian Reform Secretary Virgilio de los Reyes.

He said media should ask Bello instead to clarify the contents of his letter.

Nevertheless, Coloma said the President did not prohibit opposing opinions among his allies.

“Maaari ding magbigay ng suhestiyon at sila naman ay nakikinig din naman sa posisyon ng Pangulo kapag nakapagpasya na ang Pangulo,” he said.

He added that Aquino stated that he did not want Abad to resign amid the issue of the Disbursement Acceleration Program.

Coloma said the President still trusted Abad and De los Reyes, making it highly unlikely for Aquino to heed Bello’s advice.

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