President Aquino says he wants to leave a legacy of good government

President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his speech during the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) Thanksgiving Celebration 2014 at the CAAP Covered Court, CAAP Central Office in Old MIA Road, Pasay City on Friday (May 02). (Photo by Lauro Montellano Jr. / Malacañang Photo Bureau)

MANILA — President Benigno S. Aquino III said he wants to leave a legacy of a reformed government that can serve as a role model for other leaders to emulate.

“If there is a singular legacy that I am leaving and sana, masanay ang kababayan natin na ito ang kaya ng gobyernong pinapatakbo nang matino,” the President said in an interview in Clark Air Base, Pampanga, during the 67th anniversary of the Philippine Air Force (PAF).

The President was asked by reporters if he is confident of leaving a good legacy when he steps down from office in 2016.

He said he expects his successor to follow the template that he will be leaving behind, pick up the government platform, and sustain the momentum.

“Kung kami ang nagtanim, iba ang mag-aani, okay iyon; pero mas mataas na iyong antas na pagmumulan niya, kaya siguro naman pwedeng asahan ng taumbayan na mas malayo pa ang mararating niya,” he added.

Asked about his thoughts on reaching his fourth year in office and the things he wants to accomplish in the next two years, the President said he believes his administration has accomplished a lot in addressing the needs of the country, particularly in education, infrastructure, and in defense and security.

For instance, the government last year was able to address the 66,800 classroom backlog, just in time for the implementation of the K to12 program, which will need more classrooms, teachers, and desks, he said.

In terms of infrastructure, he promised one operational connector for the NLEX and SLEX before he steps down in 2016.

He noted that the Laguindingan Airport in Mindanao will have night flying capabilities.

He also mentioned the reforms in the PAF and its ongoing modernization program.

The PAF expects more deliveries of modern aircraft, such as the fighter trainer jets from South Korea, as well as cargo planes to improve its lift capability, he added.