Palace defends President Aquino’s involvement in election campaign

President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III (Malacañang Photo Bureau)

MANILA – President Benigno S. Aquino III believes campaigning for Daang Matuwid Coalition candidates is his duty to the Filipino people, a Malacanang official said on Sunday.

“President Aquino is actively campaigning for the candidates of the Daang Matuwid Coalition because he believes it is his duty to our Bosses – the Filipino people – to ensure the continuity of good governance that is essential to the attainment of inclusive growth for future generations of Filipinos,” said Presidential communications Office Office Secretary Herminio B. Coloma Jr. said in an interview over Radyo ng Bayan.

Coloma was reacting to the statement of vice presidential candidate Francis “Chiz” Escudero criticizing President Aquino’s participation in campaign activities of Liberal Party presidential candidate Mar Roxas and vice presidential bet Leni Robredo.

In a speech during a campaign sortie in Cebu on Saturday, Escudero said President Aquino should focus on fair polls instead.

Coloma said President Aquino is determined to ensure the conduct of fair and credible election by respecting the independence of the Commission on Elections (Comelec).

“Kaisa po si Pangulong Aquino at ang buong pamahalaan sa pagnanais na magkaroon nang maayos, malinis [at] mapayapang halalan sa darating na Mayo. Ang paglahok ng Pangulo sa kampanya ay bahagi ng kanyang nais na maipagpatuloy at maisulong ang mga nasimulang reporma at programang pangkaunlaran na siya ring prinsipyo at adhikaing isinasabuhay ng mga kandidato ng Koalisyon ng Daang Matuwid sa pamumuno nina Secretary (Manuel) Roxas at Representative (Leni) Robredo,” explained Coloma.