Propaganda vs Robredo too much, says former President Aquino

TARLAC CITY — Former President Benigno Aquino III on Monday urged the public to be more vigilant and to protect the votes of Vice President Leni Robredo in the wake of the ouster of Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno.

“We should arm ourselves with the facts of the case and from there, let us start doing something according to what we believe is right and wrong,” Aquino said in Filipino, when asked what the people should do if proadministration supporters moved to bring her down, like Sereno.

The former President spoke to reporters after casting his vote at Central Azucarera de Tarlac Elementary School.

Recount of votes

The Supreme Court, sitting as the Presidential Electoral Tribunal, is holding a recount of the votes cast for the 2016 vice presidential race.

Defeated candidate Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., son and namesake of the late dictator, filed an electoral protest contesting Robredo’s narrow victory.

Marcos claims he was cheated, but Robredo maintains she won the election fair and square.

Aquino said that ever since he retired from politics, he had had time to check social media and see the propaganda against Robredo. “It’s too much,” he said.

He emphasized the need for the people to fight fake news: “Otherwise, fake news might trump the truth.”

“We should advocate for the truth and that would only happen if we are vigilant and we get involved,” he said.