MANILA, Philippines—For his fifth Christmas in Malacañang, President Benigno Aquino III reaffirmed his commitment to good governance, saying this policy was guided by the example of Jesus Christ.
Citing Christ’s lessons on humility and hope, the President said these same teachings inspired his administration “to not think of itself first or act like kings but instead serve its bosses, the people.”
President Benigno S. Aquino III. Malacanang Photo Bureau
“We continue to correct the system,” Aquino said in his Christmas message, noting the government’s effort to run after the corrupt, take care of calamity victims, and provide more “opportunities to improve the lives of our people.”
The President urged Filipinos to look at the bright side despite the onslaught of Typhoon “Ruby.”
“Let’s not forget to thank the Lord because despite the damage brought by Ruby, there were definitely more survivors who will now get to spend Christmas with their loved one,” Aquino said.
During preparations for Ruby’s landfall, the President said the government was more prepared because of its experience with Supertyphoon “Yolanda” (Haiyan).
Ruby tore through roughly the same path of Yolanda in November 2013. But the damage brought by Ruby was minimal compared to that of Yolanda, which killed more than 6,000 people.
Aquino also welcomed the upcoming visit of Pope Francis to the Philippine next month, saying the arrival would further “invigorate hope and deepen the faith, not only those of our people in need, but all our Christian brothers and sisters.”
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