Aquino urged to seek other posts

President Benigno S. Aquino III delivered the keynote speech speech at the Nikkei 21st International Conference on the Future of Asia, an annual forum that discusses the opportunities and challenges facing the Asia-Pacific region. The President discussed PH-JP relations, developments in the PH, and regional concerns. The President is in Japan for a four-day state visit, on the invitation of the Japanese government. (Malacañang Photo Bureau)

MANILA — President Aquino on Tuesday said that some Filipinos are urging him to run for other position in government after he rejected the idea of extending his term by revising the constitution.

“Nang naging malinaw po sa kanilang hindi ako sang-ayon na baguhin ang Saligang Batas para pahabain ang termino ko, ang naging bagong version po ng tanong ay ganito po: Baka raw po gusto kong tumakbo sa ibang puwesto,” Aquino said.

(When it has been made clear to them that I do not agree with revising the Constitution to extend my term, the new question they are asking is if I am interested to run for other positions.)

“Ang totoo po yatang ibig nilang sabihin, ‘Tumakbo ka sa ibang puwesto, dahil mabuti nang nandiyan ka para manguna ka ulit kung kakailanganin namin ang iyong tulong,'” he added.

(I think what they mean is ‘You should run for other posts because it is better that you are there to lead when we need your help.)

Aquino made the statement when he spoke to the members of the Filipino community in Tokyo, Japan.

He also warned Filipinos against politicians who will veer away from his ‘Daang Matuwid.’

“Magyu-U-Turn ba tayo pabalik sa baluktot na daan? O itutuloy natin ang pag-arangkada sa Daang Matuwid? Nasa kamay ng mamamayan ang patutunguhan ng Pilipinas,” Aquino said.

(Are we taking a U-Turn back to the crooked path? Or are we continuing our journey in the ‘straight path’? The country’s path is in the hands of its people.)