Noy still open to seek for a fresh term

President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his speech during the commemoration of the 150th birth anniversary of Apolinario Mabini at the Mabini Shrine in Barangay Talaga, Tanauan City, Batangas on Wednesday (July 23). With the theme: “Mabini: Talino at Paninindigan,” the yearlong festivity aims to honor Mabini, the “Sublime Paralytic,” as the brains behind the Philippine revolution. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)

MANILA – Contrary to Negros Occidental Gov. Alfredo Marañon’s earlier statement, President Aquino announced yesterday that he is still open to seeking a fresh term.

Aquino made the statement to the members of the ruling coalition adding that he is interested to seek for reelection.

This was despite reports on the president’s statement to his allies telling them that they would all step down as their term ends at noon of June 30, 2016.

Meanwhile, lawmakers are still cool to political Charter change which may be necessary to lift the President’s single, six-year team.

Several members of the House of Representatives earlier emphasized their interest on lifting only some certain economic provisions to improve the country’s competitiveness in a globalized economy.

Reacting to the President’s statement, opposition lawmaker and Kabataan party-list Rep. Terry Ridon said that he was no longer surprised with Aquino’s decision adding that the President was “desperate to evade prosecution.”

“They want to evade prosecution and that’s why they’re pushing for a second term for the President even if it involves Charter change,” he said as quoted in a Philippine Daily Inquirer report.