Poe: Aquino ‘spot-on’ in need for reformist leader

MANILA, Philippines – “There is only one basis for choosing my successor: Who is the person who, without a shred of doubt, will continue the transformation we realized?”

President Benigno Aquino III set the stage for the 2016 presidential polls, again harping on the need for a leader who will continue the reforms he began in his presidency.

Aquino made the statement in his second to the last State of the Nation Address (SONA), which came at a time he faces fierce criticism, impeachment complaints, his lowest popularity ratings, and the fallout from a Supreme Court ruling declaring key acts under his administration’s spending measure, the Disbursement Acceleration Program (DAP), unconstitutional.

Those who expressed interest in the presidency in 2016 and those who are being eyed for the post had different views on Aquino’s statement.

Neophyte Senator Grace Poe, who is the second placer in presidential surveys, said she agrees with Aquino’s standard for choosing the next leader.

“We need a strong leader that will continue all of the reform measures during this administration, and whatever is lacking, should have the initiative to push through with more reforms. So I think the president is spot-on. It’s really important that whoever we choose in 2016 will be somebody who is reform-oriented and has the political will and leadership,” Poe told Rappler.

The senator though has repeatedly said that she is not yet ready for higher office but did not rule out any possibility.

Poe’s strong survey showing sparked speculation the administration might choose her to be its candidate, especially if Liberal Party president-on-leave Manuel Roxas II continues sliding down in polls. Analysts see Poe as a possible contender, going up against frontrunner Vice President Jejomar Binay of the opposition.

‘Next leader must have experience’

Binay though said that he has another standard for choosing who should lead the country after Aquino steps down.

“I will just be subjective in my answer. It only points to the necessity that the main basis for selecting who you will vote for leader is one with the experience, the wisdom, and the track record as an executive,” said Binay, alluding to his experience as Makati mayor for 21 years.

Binay is leader of the opposition United Nationalist Alliance (UNA) and led Poe by 21 points in the Pulse Asia survey conducted from March 19 to 26.

Binay also responded to other points Aquino raised in his SONA, particularly about DAP. Unlike other members of the Aquino Cabinet, the Vice President has said he disagreed with Aquino’s decision not to accept the resignation of Budget Secretary Florencio Abad over the controversy. He also said that the spending program must comply with the Constitution.

A lawyer, Binay said he has long suggested that Aquino ask Congress for a supplemental budget to fund programs under DAP.

“I told Malacañang to ask for a supplemental budget. That is the right process. This became an issue because the work of Congress was overtaken. If there is a supplemental budget, then that will be addressed.”

The housing czar also said Aquino could have talked more about the accomplishments of the sector.

“I hoped he emphasized that instead of the many testimonials. He just mentioned housing in passing. He mentioned [Rehabilitation] Secretary [Panfilo] Lacson. The time for the testimonials could have been used to talk about the achievements in housing.”

‘Cryptic statement’

Senator Antonio Trillanes IV of the Nacionalista Party (NP) had a different interpretation of Aquino’s statement about the country’s next leader.

Trillanes has said he wants to run for higher office but will let his party decide which position.

Asked if the President was referring to a particular candidate, Trillanes said, “Maybe he is endorsing someone but he cannot endorse because it is not yet time for politics.”

“It won’t stick so much with people because the elections are still far away. There are still a lot of things that can happen in two years,” he said. – Rappler.com