‘Redemption’ may be found on straight path, says Palace

There is “redemption” for all, especially if one chooses to take the straight path.

This was how Malacañang explained the support given by Pampanga Gov. Lilia “Baby” Pineda not only to the administration candidates, but to President Benigno Aquino III as well.

“The President has always said that whatever your affiliation, if you join the straight path and you sign up and show that you are adhering to the concepts of the straight path, then isn’t redemption open to everyone?” Communications Undersecretary Manolo Quezon said on Saturday over state-run Radyo ng Bayan.

Quezon added: “Therefore, if you stand by the straight path and show that you have had a change of heart and that you are willing to subscribe to putting the people first, then you should welcome these additions to the coalition.”

Pineda is a known close friend, staunch political ally and supporter of former president now Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

Arroyo has been under hospital detention on plunder charges for most of the six-year term of President Aquino.

Mr. Aquino never fails to blame Arroyo for the massive corruption during her time that “wasted” a decade when the country could have developed.

On Thursday, however, on a visit to Pampanga to campaign for administration standard-bearer Mar Roxas and his running mate Leni Robredo, President Aquino did not mention Arroyo.

It was at the event that Pineda declared Pampanga’s support for Roxas, Robredo and “all of President Aquino’s candidates.”

She also heaped praise on Mr. Aquino for national government programs like PhilHealth, conditional cash transfer and infrastructure projects.