Aquino says: ‘I will listen to my bosses’ regarding term extension

President Benigno S. Aquino III  (Photo taken on August 25, 2014, by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau / PCOO)

MANILA, Philippines–President Benigno Aquino III remains ambivalent about running for reelection in 2016, but says he is amenable to the idea if it is the mandate of the people.

In an interview with Bombo Radyo on Thursday Aquino referenced the Filipino people as his “bosses“ as he said: “Hindi naman ako masokista. Pero at the same time, sabi ko nga makikinig ako sa anumang utos ng boss natin (I am not a masochist, but at the same time, as I said, I will listen to whatever order given by our bosses.).”

According to Aquino, he has been approached by people who have verbalized their desire to see him stay on as president beyond 2016.

“Puwede ko bang sabihin sa kanilang…meron tayong hangganan (Can I then simply tell them…we have a limit)?” he said.

Aquino admits to consulting with different sectors of society on the matter, and says that he will continue to heed the wishes of the Filipino public.

On the issue of how the reforms set into motion by his administration will be perpetuated after 2016, Aquino simply stated the obvious: “Kailangang masagot ’yan (That needs to be answered).”