President Benigno S. Aquino III poses with the ASEAN Tourism Ministers and Heads of International Tourism Organizations on the Opening Ceremony of the Asean Tourism Forum held in Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City. (MNS photo)
MANILA (Mabuhay) – Borrowing the famous “hugot” (heart-tugging) line of “walang forever,” President Benigno Aquino III on Thursday urged Filipino citizens to reject corrupt candidates.
Aquino made this appeal in a speech delivered by Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr. to an audience of Filipino youth organizations that have been awarded for their outstanding contributions to nation-building and development.
“Ngayong taon, haharap pong muli ang sambayanan sa isang sangang-daan kung saan pipili tayo ng mga susunod na pinuno ng bayan. Kumpiyansa akong pipiliin ng ating mga boss ang tapat, malinis, marangal at walang dudang magtutuloy ng daang matuwid,” said Aquino.
President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his speech during the Opening Ceremony of the Asean Tourism Forum (ATF) 2016 with the theme “One Community for Sustainability” Wednesday ( January 20) held in Philippine International Convention Center , in Pasay City. (MNS Photo)
“Ang mensahe natin: Walang forever para sa kurap at sa ating paghihirap. Simple lang ang pangarap ko, ang ipamana sa mga susunod na henerasyon ang isang bansang hindi hamak na mas maunlad, mas mapayapa at mas matatag kaysa sa ating dinatnan,” he added.
Aquino had earlier endorsed his party mate, former Interior Secretary Manuel “Mar” Roxas II, as his successor in 2016. Other candidates fighting for the presidency are Vice President Jejomar Binay, Senators Grace Poe and Miriam Defensor Santiago, and Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte.
Meanwhile, the President praised the awardees of the annual Ten Accomplished Youth Organizations or TAYO. The TAYO is organized by the National Youth Commission and the office of Senator Paolo Benigno “Bam” Aquino IV.
He said they serve as the inspiration of the Filipino youth today.
“Imbes na magreklamo, tumambay lang o asikasuhin ang sarili, walang atubili kayong tumutulong sa inyong kapwa, lipunan at sa buong bansa,” said Aquino.
“Sa mga gaya ninyong kabataan, talagang sumusulong at umaarangkada ang ating bayan,” he added.
The TAYO winners recognized were:
USJ-R School of Law Advocacy and Community Enrichment
I am Making A Difference (M.A.D.)
Tanay Mountaineers
Kanlaon Theater Guild
Environment and Climate Change Research Institute of the De La Salle Araneta University
Keep Hope Alive
Youth Sports Advocacy project of Quezon City
Bayugan National Comprehensive High School
Tobog Youth Organization
UP Academic League of Chemical Engineering Students. (MNS)