Aquino to corrupt politicians: ‘Walang forever’

“Walang forever,” was how President Benigno Aquino III described the fate of corrupt politicians in the Philippines as he urged Filipinos to choose “honest, virtuous and honorable” leaders in the May 2016 elections.

“Walang forever para sa kurap at sa ating paghihirap,” Aquino said in a speech delivered by Presidential Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. on Thursday.

(There is no forever for the corrupt and for our poor.)

READ: Aquino’s corruption fight marks modest progress –experts

Coloma read Aquino’s speech during the awarding ceremony for the Ten Accomplished Youth Organizations at the Malacañang Palace.

As the 2016 elections near, Aquino said the country again faces a crossroad.

“Haharap pong muli ang sambayanan sa isang sangandaan kung saan pipili tayo ng mga susunod na pinuno ng bayan. Kumpiyansa akong pipiliin ng ating mga boss ang tapat, malinis, marangal at walang dudang magtutuloy ng daang matuwid,” the President said.

(The nation will once again face a crossroad wherein we shall choose the next leaders of the country. I am confident that our bosses will choose those who are honest, virtuous, honorable and will undoubtedly continue the straight path.)

Aquino commended the various youth organizations in the country for their dedication in nation building.

“Imbes na magreklamo, tumambay lang o asikasuhin ang sarili, walang atubili kayong tumutulong sa inyong kapwa, lipunan at sa buong bansa,” he said.

“Sa mga gaya ninyong kabataan, talagang sumusulong at umaarangkada ang ating bayan,” he added.

(Instead of complaining, do nothing or just think of one’s self, you resolutely help others, the society and the whole country.

It is because of youth like yourself that the country truly progresses and advances.)

The President urged Filipinos to emulate the youth awardees and their contribution to nation-building.

“Huwag kayong mapagod maglingkod, magsilbi at gumawa ng mabuti,” he said.

(Never tire of helping, serving and doing good.)

READ: 46% of Filipinos think Aquino failed to curb corruption–Radio Veritas

Aquino, whom is a stalwart of the Liberal Party, had earlier endorsed former Interior Secretary Manuel “Mar” Roxas II to be his successor.

“Simple lang ang pangarap ko, ang ipamana sa mga susunod na henerasyon ang isang bansang hindi hamak na mas maunlad, mas mapayapa at mas matatag kaysa sa ating dinatnan,” Aquino said.

(My dream is simple, to pass on to the next generations a country that is not only more developed, more peaceful and stronger than that which we have come to lead.)

Roxas, the standard bearer of the Liberal Party, is running under the platform of continuing “daang matuwid” or the “straight path” governance of the Aquino administration. CDG