Bam Aquino ‘not surprised’ by President’s turning down of 2nd term

MANILA, Philippines—Senator Paolo Benigno “Bam” Aquino IV said Wednesday that he was not surprised by the decision of his cousin President Benigno Aquino III to turn down calls for a second term.

In an interview, Senator Aquino said that the President’s announcement made Tuesday is essential in order to clarify his stance on the issue “once and for all.”

Senator Bam Aquino. FILE PHOTO

“I’m not really surprised by that statement (Aquino’s decision to not seek a second term). Maybe because time na talaga to clarify it once and for all. As far as I’m concerned, if you look at the Senate, we’ve never had any moves to amend the Constitution in terms of any political provision,” Senator Aquino said.

Aquino said Wednesday that seeking for a second term is not the “right solution” stating that “everyone has a time card in this world.”

The president also said that the people should instead vote for the right candidate in the 2016 elections and cautioned the electorate to not vote for a leader who is “extolling populist sentiments with no substance.”

Meanwhile, when asked on his opinion on who was the “right person” being referred to by the president, Senator Aquino said that the people should wait for the president’s announcement which will be made “at the right time”.

“It will be revealed at the right time. I think that it is too early, and in fact, many times, he has been asked that question. He (Aquino) said that we still have two years and we need to focus on reforms rather than just politics,” Senator Aquino added.

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