President Benigno Aquino III has expressed optimism that his
government will achieve the permanent change that the country is longing
for through his tuwid na daan (straight path) reform policy and with the divine guidance and help of every Filipino.
“We are approaching the final year of my term. This year, through the
help of our bosses, we will make permanent the change we have been
enjoying right now,” the President said in his New Year’s message.
“With the guidance of the Almighty, and with the help of every
Filipino, I am certain that we will achieve the lasting change that we
all long for,” he added.
With only 17 months before the 2016 national elections, the President
also urged the Filipino people to be cautious of the politicians who
are trying to derail the straight path.
“Let us remember, despite the achievements we have worked hard for,
there are still those watching our every move and are waiting for an
opportunity to bring us back to the old system,” the President said.
The President mentioned some of the achievements of his
administration such as the eight public-private-partnership (PPP)
projects he signed and awarded from 2011 to 2014.
President Aquino also talked about the 21 positive credit ratings the
country has achieved under his watch from the world’s prestigious
credit rating agencies such as Moody’s, Standard and Poor, and Fitch
Group.
He also mentioned the expanded beneficiaries of the Conditional Cash
Transfer (CCT) program and the government’s improved response to
disasters and calamities particularly in the last typhoon Ruby.
Meanwhile, President Aquino appealed to the lawmakers to join him in
finding right solution to the impending power crisis in the summer of
2015.
“It is my appeal to our partners in other branch of government. Open
our hearts and mind for the welfare of the greater good,” the President
said.
President Aquino has also renewed appeal to the Filipino people to
avoid firecrackers and instead use noisemakers that are not damaging
such as blowing of horns and loud music in welcoming the New Year.
“I have an appeal to you. Let’s stop using firecrackers this New
Year. Let’s think of the damages it brings to our people and
environment,” the President said.
