P-Noy praises, thanks LP for achievements, reforms

MANILA, Philippines - President Aquino praised and thanked members of the Liberal Party (LP) for being steadfast in trying to institute reforms in the country, including the judiciary.

The LP led the impeachment of Chief Justice Renato Corona at the House of Representatives. Corona is now on trial at the Senate for alleged various offenses.

In a speech celebrating the 66th anniversary of the LP Friday night, the President said he was grateful for the continued support of his partymates and allies in pursuing his plans and programs for the people.

He said the LP membership was increasing as five members of the House, 10 governors, 20 city mayors, 66 municipal mayors, had joined the party.

“Last December, Liberal and other congressmen, who may not be Liberal in name but in heart and action, came together. They are our partners in the steps we are undertaking to lay down reforms in the judiciary,” Aquino said.

The President said the LP had been known for its honor and integrity in governance and which were very much needed at this time.

“I am happy that you are my comrades in our agenda for change. We are not going to betray our duty, we will not go astray from the principled path and we will not be unfaithful to the people,” he said.

He said that their “boss” remained the Filipino people and that the opportunity to serve them would always be acknowledged as a gift.

The President said despite criticisms, the country gained headway even in the economy as he already inaugurated businesses at the start of the year.

He said the Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corp. projected the Philippines to become one of the biggest economies by 2050 while the Bank of America-Merrill Lynch recognized it as the “third most-preferred market in the world for global fund managers.”

Aquino said all the gains could not have happened by chance as the administration had been working for the general and not selfish interests of a few.

“What has changed? Where is the renewed confidence in the economy that will result in jobs and opportunities for the Filipinos coming from? It is clear, the culture and system in the Philippines are changing,” he said.

He said justice would be the foundation of growth as this would impress upon the certainty of reaping what was sowed – whether good or bad.

“This results in stability in the system that will also serve as good sign for business – they will have confidence that every line will be going somewhere and they will not be left behind or be taken advantage of by those cutting the line. All of these will push up the overall economy that will produce jobs, livelihood and opportunities for the people,” Aquino said.

The President said his battle cry would remain: that good governance would result in better economy and funds for social services for the people.

The President added the big transformation in the country would include the fact that the LP had opened its doors to consultations with various sectors like the workers, farmers, urban poor, women and youth.

“The Liberal Party is not a group of deaf politicians unaware of the heartbeat of the ordinary people. This is a group, a family composed of Filipinos dedicated to usher society to a righteous path,” Aquino said.

The Liberal Party was founded on Jan. 19, 1946 by Manuel Roxas, the first president of the Third Philippine Republic.

Among the prominent personalities who joined the President during Friday’s event were Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr., LP president and Transportation Secretary Manuel Roxas II, Interior Secretary Jessie Robredo, Iloilo Rep. Niel Tupas, Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim, boxing champ and Sarangani Rep. Manny Pacquiao, among others.