Aquino praises Roxas as man of ‘clear integrity’

“Mga Boss, idinudulog ko po sa inyo ngayon, sa akin pong opinyon, ang nagpakita na ng gilas at ng integridad, ang hinog at handang-handang magpatuloy ng Daang Matuwid: walang iba kundi si Mar Roxas.”

(To my Bosses, I tell you today: In my opinion, the one who has shown exemplary work and true integrity, the one fully ready to continue the Straight Path, is none other than Mar Roxas.)

This was how President Benigno Aquino III formally endorsed Interior Secretary Manuel “Mar” Roxas II as the administration’s bet in 2016 before the jampacked crowd at the Club Filipino in San Juan City on Friday.

Aquino described Roxas a man with clear integrity and experience.

He narrated how his search for someone who can continue his straight path policy has led him to Roxas, his fellow Liberal Party (LP) stalwart.

“Sa paghahanap nga po, kinausap natin ang mga taong maaaring magpatuloy sa Daang Matuwid at ang maraming mga sektor. Kinapanayam ko ang tatlong tao, na sa aking pananaw ay kabalikat sa Daang Matuwid,” he said, apparently referring to Roxas and Senators Grace Poe and Francis Escudero.

(During my search, I spoke to those who I believe could pursue the Straight Path, as well as to many other sectors. I interviewed three people who, in my view, are allies in pursuing the Straight Path.)

The President sat down with the three until dawn of July 15 to discuss the 2016 elections.

“Maganda nga po sana, na ang mga kailangan pang magsanay ay talaga pong magkakaroon ng pagkakataong mahinog at maunawaan ang tunay na lalim ng pagkapinuno. Sa akin pong paniniwala, itong tatlo, kung magkakasama-sama ay talagang matinding tambalan. Doon po, sa ngayon, ay hindi pa tayo nagtatagumpay,” Aquino said.

(The ideal situation is for those who still need experience to have the opportunity to have their skills and talents fully develop, and to understand all that is required of a leader. In my view, these three people could form a truly formidable team. At this point in time, success has eluded us in this endeavor.)

While they shared similar, he said their means of achieving those goals “are not exactly attuned to one another’s.”

“Tiwala akong mulat din kayo: Napakalaki ng nakataya para ipaubaya sa “baka sakali.” Marahil may nag-isip: Baka ‘yung iba, kayang ituloy ang nasimulan natin. Baka ‘yung iba, kayang panagutin ang mga tiwali. Baka ‘yung iba, maituloy ang pag-angat ng ekonomiya at mapalawak ang serbisyong panlipunan. Baka ‘yung iba, manatili sa tuwid na daan,” said the President.

“I trust that all of you know: What is at stake is far too important to leave to “maybe.” Perhaps there those who think: Maybe others can continue what we have started. Maybe others can hold the corrupt accountable. Maybe others can continue the upward trajectory of the economy and widen the coverage of social services. Maybe others will stay on the straight path.)

“Ang sa akin lang po: Bakit tayo magpapaakit sa “baka,” kung meron namang sigurado? Liwanagin ko lang po, ‘yung siguradong tinutukoy natin, hindi ‘yung siguradong tiwali sa ating Daang Matuwid. So, ano ho ‘yung siguradong kinausap natin at sigurado tayo? Number 1: Siguradong may kakayahan; siguradong walang ibang Boss kundi ang taumbayan, siguradong walang ibang pinagkakautangan ng loob, siguradong walang ibang interes kundi ang bayan.”

(For my part, why must we allow ourselves to be attracted to “maybe,” when we can be certain? Someone who, we’re certain, is more than capable; someone, we’re certain, has no Boss other than the Filipino people, who, we’re certain, owes no debt of gratitude to any other, someone, we’re certain, has no interest other than country before self.)

“Sa madaling salita po, doon na po tayo sa siguradong itutuloy ang Daang Matuwid,”  Aquino added.

(In short, we should go to a person whom we can be certain will continue the Straight Path. And I believe that person is none other than Mar Roxas.)

Aquino’s remark  was greeted with a loud cheer from Roxas’ supporters, friends, and family who were present during the event.

“Roxas na!! Roxas na!!!” the crowd repeatedly chanted. KS

(Originally posted 12:20 p.m.)

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