“The Aquino administration stands on its record of having restored the pride and dignity of the Filipino nation.”
This was how Malacañang reacted after Vice President Jejomar Binay spewed fire anew at the Aquino administration during the launch of the United Nationalist Alliance (UNA) on Wednesday.
Amid accusations of being “incompetent” and “insensitive,” Communications Secretary Herminio “Sonny” Coloma Jr. said the the government had “expanded the coverage of social protection and laid the foundations for inclusive growth.”
In his emotionally charged speech before thousands of supporters and allies, a fiery Binay lambasted the administration anew for its supposed blunders.
“Sa loob ng limang taon, napakarami pa ring nagugutom … Laganap pa rin ang kahirapan … Ang tanong ng bayan: Nasaan ang gobyerno?” Binay said. “Hirap na tayo sa turuan, siraan at pambobola. Hirap na tayo sa kaunlarang iilan lang ang nakikinabang.”
READ: Binay fires another volley at Aquino during UNA launch | VP Binay lambasts Aquino administration at UNA launch
Binay also took a jab at potential political opponents in the 2016 presidential elections, criticizing neophyte and supposedly inexperienced leaders.
“Ang UNA ay hindi samahan ng mga tanga, usad-pagong at teka teka. Ang kailangan ay hindi bagitong mag-aaral pa lang sa pamamahala,” said Binay, who was elected chair of UNA.
But Coloma said the Palace believes in the decision-making capacity of Filipinos in electing officials who would build on the gains of the administration.
“We trust in our people’s sense of fairness and capacity for discernment in choosing future leaders who will continue the reforms and sustain the long term transformation of Philippine society and polity.”