Aquino: LP is not out to oust Duterte

Former President Benigno Aquino III on Monday dismissed allegations that the Liberal Party was out to destabilize the administration and oust his successor, President Duterte.

Aquino also pointed out that there was no reason for Mr. Duterte to declare a revolutionary government and that having a Chinese telecommunications company engage in business in the country could have national security implications.

The former President answered questions from reporters before and after the Mass to mark the 85th birth anniversary of his father, martyred opposition Sen. Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr.

Aquino said he prayed at his father’s tomb not just as a grateful son but as a Filipino “looking at an example that should be emulated.”

Turbulent times

“A lot of the issues that he was fighting for seem to be still relevant and still [are] the current issues,” he said. Among these are human rights violations and poverty.

He expressed hope that young Filipinos would learn from the country’s history, not repeat the mistakes, and enhance what was done right.

Before he began the Mass, Jesuit priest Manoling Francisco prayed that the memory of Ninoy Aquino would “embolden us, Noy (the former President’s nickname) especially.”

Former President Benigno Aquino III prays at the tomb of his late parents after the Mass to celebrate the 85th birth anniversary of his late father, former Sen. Benigno Aquino Jr., on Monday.—GRIG C. MONTEGRANDE

Francisco described these times as “turbulent and dangerous.”

Talking to reporters, Aquino gave the assurance that the Liberal Party was not part of any move to oust Mr. Duterte.

“If what’s happening is good, [an ouster move] will not succeed. But if what’s happening is not right, if the promises are unfulfilled, if someone is incoherent, these create dissatisfaction. They’re not coming from us,” Aquino said.