By Jelly F. Musico
MLQU president Dr. Isagani Germar confers on President Benigno S. Aquino III the Doctor of Public Administration Honoris Causa in a ceremony during the 68th Commencement Exercises of the Manuel L. Quezon University (MLQU) at the Harbour Garden Tent of the Hotel Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila in Pasay City on Wednesday (April 20). Also in photo are Commission on Higher Education (CHED) chairperson Patricia Licuanan and MLQU chairman Jose Rizalino Acuzar.(MNS photo)
MANILA (PNA) – President Benigno Aquino III on Thursday defended the use of presidential chopper by her sister Kris Aquino in the launching of a project in Negros Occidental last Tuesday.
In a media interview in Lipa City, the President explained that the presidential sister being one of the country’s big individual taxpayers deserve to see the successes of his administration.
”Whether as an individual taxpayer or somebody who was very close to me, who shared all of the burdens, I think it’s just but proper na i-share naman the successes, share kami sa hirap, share ko na rin ‘yung success,” the President said.
President Aquino said his sister, a popular actress and TV host, had volunteer to join him.
”Gusto ko namang ipakita sa kanya: Tingnan mo ang resulta na talagang nagiging makabuluhan at may saysay itong demokrasyang ipinaglaban ng mga magulang natin,” he said.
Last Wednesday, Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said the President’s immediate family members were not prohibited from using official government properties such as choppers and vehiles.
“Members of the President’s immediate family are allowed to ride with him in official government vehicles,” Coloma said.
The critics claimed that presidential sister used the chopper while campaigning for the administration’s presidential bet Manuel ‘Mar’ Roxas II and running mate Leni Robredo.
”So, sinama si Kris? Alam niyo palagay ko hindi ko nakita kung sino ‘yung mga pumupuna, palagay ko same set of characters eh. Ibig sabihin ‘non ‘yung wala nang nakitang maganda sa ginawa ko, tuloy-tuloy pa rin sila, eh ‘di thank you,” the President said. (PNA)