PNoy: No time to waste in my final years

MANILA, Philippines - Much has been accomplished in 2013 but more needs to be done in his remaining years in office, President Benigno Aquino III said Monday.

In his videotaped message for the New Year’s celebration, Aquino said several achievements were made this year despite the overlapping problems that the country faced.

And as he looked back to the year that was, Aquino also assured the public that no time and effort will be put into waste during the second half of his presidency.

"Papasok na naman po tayo sa panibagong taon sa pagtahak sa tuwid na daan. At kumbaga po sa larong basketball, papasok na rin tayo sa last two minutes: Sa natitirang yugto ng ating termino, wala tayong sasayanging sandali," Aquino said.

The President recounted the country's accomplishments this year, particularly in fighting corruption.

He noted that the Philippines' rankings in the Transparency International Corruption Index have climbed under his leadership while justice is close at hand in the alleged pork barrel mess.

"Patuloy po tayong naglalatag ng mga mekanismo upang siguruhing ang pera ng taumbayan ay mapupunta sa taumbayan lamang," Aquino said.

In terms of economic achievements, Aquino recounted that the country's gross domestic product was the highest recorded in Southeast Asia while three major credit rating agencies gave for the first time the Philippines an investment grade status this year.

Aquino also mentioned the developments in the Muslim south with the first synchronization of the ARMM elections and national polls this year.

The government also made progress in peace talks with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front with the signing of some of the annexes for the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro.

"Malinaw po: Dahil sa mas maayos na pamamalakad, natitibag na ang mga huling balwarte ng katiwalian, at patuloy tayong nakakapaglatag ng pagkakataon para sa ating mga kababayan," the President said.

While the country moves into the final years of his administration, Aquino admits that those from the "old system" are "desperate" to thwart his administration's goals.

"At gaya rin po sa basketball, hanggang sa huling yugto ay may hinaharap tayong mga barikada. Batid nating hindi basta-basta titiklop ang mga latak ng lumang sistema; habang lumalapit tayo sa ating tagumpay, lalo rin naman silang magiging desperado at magtatangkang idiskaril ang ating agenda," Aquino said.

But the President said Filipinos will remain resilient in facing the challenges ahead, similar to what they have shown this year after deadly disasters devastated several parts of the country.

"Bilang bayan na may kolektibong layunin, nagpakita tayo ng pambihirang gilas ngayong taon sa kabila ng patung-patong na pagsubok na ating pinagdaanan. Talagang marami po tayong napagtagumpayan ngayong 2013," he said.

"Alam din po nating mayroon pang mga kalamidad na susubok sa ating katatagan bilang bayan. Pero, lagi nating handang patunayan: manggulo man ang masasamang loob, yanigin man tayo ng lindol o hagupitin ng bagyo, mangingibabaw pa rin ang lakas ng ating bayanihan."

Aquino also reminded Filipinos to stay along the straight path while the government will remain open to suggestions in reforming the country.