Aquino junks second term: ‘It’s not a right solution’

MANILA, Philippines – No more double talk – President Benigno Aquino III on Tuesday, October 28, categorically rejected suggestions for him to seek re-election to extend his term beyond 2016.

Aquino made the statement at the 13th CEO forum of the Semiconductor and Electronics Industries in the Philippines Inc (SEIPI), when he was asked how the Philippines is going to increase competitiveness after the ASEAN integration and “how sustainable” the country’s economic growth will be after his term ends in 2016.

After discussing the need for continued investments in public health and the Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) program, he said: “There are some quarters that were saying I should try and go for a second term. I don’t think that’s a right solution.”

He added: “We all have a timecard in this world and we have to prepare for the eventuality of being called to meet our Maker. So there has to be that continuation of people of like mind who will deliver on the promises that are real and not just self-serving or nice and pleasant to hear.”

The President said that the best way to enjoy a continuation of the gains being enjoyed by the country under his watch is to choose the “right candidate,” and again urged Filipinos to vote wisely.

“With regards to how do we sustain this after 2016? Then perhaps I will vote for the right candidate. And if I can ask you also to discern properly as to whom is extolling populist sentiments with no substance, as opposed to those [who] not only says the right things but whom you can trust to deliver the same. And at the end of the day, again I have to reemphasize. this is really a collective effort,” he said.

Aquino shocked political observers in August when he expressed openness to constitutional amendments to address concerns over” judicial overreach” and to allow him a possible second term in office.

The results of a survey conducted by Pulse Asia Research Inc in September showed that a majority of Filipinos do not support Charter change.  (READ: 2nd term for Aquino? No thanks, say 6 in 10 Filipinos) – Rappler.com