Aquino: No problem with raps vs Palace allies

President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his speech during a dialoque with reformists and like-minded public servants from government and civil society at the Rizal Hall of Malacanang Palace Friday, September 12, 2014.(Photo by Gil Nartea/Malacanang Photo Bureau)

MANILA – President Aquino on Monday said that his critics are free to file charges against his allies if they can prove that these officials are no longer in line with his reformist programs.

In a speech delivered at the Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University, Aquino said that there is no problem with him as long as his foes can prove any anomalies.

“The courts are open. If they think that I have dishonest people around me, then all they have to do is file an appropriate case,” Aquino said, responding to a question from a student during a forum that followed a policy speech at Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government.

“The Ombudsman in particular, I think, even investigates instances where complaints are unsigned or anonymous precisely to ferret out those who are not treading the correct path,” he added.

Amid reports on his plans to run for a second term, Aquino still did not disclose whom he anointed to run for the 2016 presidential election.

“I really believe we have a lot of material in the country. But if I were to mention them now, then I’m sure you can… You can imagine the repercussions back home and the media frenzy,” Aquino said, drawing laughter from the crowd.

Aquino also emphasized that there are more pressing concerns that needs to be addressed and that “we shouldn’t allow the distraction of the election to interfere with our obligations to our people.”