May Filipinos tread ‘Daang Matuwid’ in 2016, beyond Aquino term—Palace

President Benigno Simeon Aquino III. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO/JOAN BONDOC

Malacanang on Saturday said it was hoping that Filipinos’ positive outlook and trust in government reforms would remain in 2016 and even after the term of President Benigno Aquino III.

“The New Year marks the beginning of another meaningful chapter in the continuing narrative of the Filipino people—it is one that brings a new sense of promise and optimism, as we remain steadfast in treading the ‘Straight Path’ in the year ahead,” deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said in a statement.

READ: Palace hails Filipinos’ optimism ahead of 2016, cites admin efforts

“The general sentiment of hope, one that reflects the astounding positive outlook of our countrymen for 2016, as demonstrated by the most recent surveys of Pulse Asia and the SWS, truly encourages the Aquino administration and all Filipinos of goodwill,” she said.

A recent Pulse Asia survey showed majority of Filipinos (89 percent) are welcoming 2016 with hope.

READ: 89% of Filipinos welcome 2016 with hope—Pulse Asia

Highlighting the country’s achievements under the administration’s “Daang Matuwid” (Straight Path) reform program, Valte said they were hoping that the public would “contribute further to advancing the agenda of good governance and integrity” even after Aquino steps down from the office in mid-2016.

“May this optimism inspire even greater solidarity… As the President has time and again emphasized: Because of our genuine determination to instill positive change, we have gone from strength to strength, gaining the wherewithal to lay the foundations for a society that is just and inclusive,” Valte further said.

“Indeed, by resting our faith in each other and in the Lord Almighty, we can all look forward to a 2016 that is prosperous, remarkable, and dynamic, one that will serve as an enduring reminder of our democracy’s commitment to the highest ideals of our race,” she added. RAM