Rally behind Aquino’s blueprint for development

MANILA, Philippines–A few hours before President Aquino faces Congress for his second State of the Nation Address, the Palace urged Monday the country’s leaders, including the opposition, to rally behind the Chief Executive’s vision for a government that “puts our countrymen’s welfare first.”

“We hope that our leaders, regardless of their political affiliation and persuasion, will rally behind the President’s blueprint for development, which seeks to improve the lives of our countrymen,” Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr., said in a statement.

Ochoa said that the President had already pointed out that while there have been gains in his administration’s efforts to address the concerns of the nation, “we all have to work together to ensure the fulfillment of the President’s vision of a government that puts our countrymen’s welfare first.”

He described this administration to be one which “will govern conscientiously, use its resources wisely, provide jobs and economic opportunities for our people, protect the environment and secure our borders.”

Ochoa vowed the government will continue to reach out to Congress as well as political leaders “because cooperation is the key to getting things done and moving our nation forward.”