Palace denies hand in paid ad seeking Aquino re-election

Communication Secretary Herminio Coloma INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — Even before he was asked about it, Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. on Tuesday denied that Malacañang had anything to do with the paid advertisements calling for President Benigno Aquino III’s re-election.

“Wala kaming kinalaman sa mga patalastas na iyan (We do not have anything to do with that advertisement),” Coloma told Palace reporters when asked about Malacanang’s reaction to the full-page advertisement which was published in newspapers.

The Secretary insisted that Aquino continues to listen to the suggestions of the public.

Asked if he believes Aquino remains the best person to be president, Coloma said the President already told the people that it is their responsibility to ensure that his reforms will continue beyond his term.

The advertisement was from a group called Movement for Reform, Continuity and Momentum (More2Come).

“As of today, the most visible possible successors are in a bind. One is beset by fatal corruption baggage and the other by perennial low ratings. The others are simply inexperienced. It seems that PNoy (Aquino) is still the best and only successor,” the advertisement said.

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