PNoy hits pols already gearing up for 2016 elections

MANILA, Philippines - President Benigno Aquino III on Tuesday took a swipe at government officials who are forgetting their mandate as they are already looking forward to the next elections.

Speaking at the General Assembly of the League of Municipalities, Aquino reminded the countries' governors and mayors that government officials should serve the people's welfare and not their personal and political interests.

"Magiging imposible ang pagbabago kung ang isang pinuno ay iniisip lang ang pansariling interes at ang pagpapapogi para sa susunod na eleksyon," Aquino said in his speech at the Manila Hotel.

"'Yung bang imbes na magpatupad ng mga programang pangmatagalan at pangmaramihan ang benepisyo ay gumagawa ng mga proyektong pagkatapos ng photo-ops ay walang natutulungan," he added.

The President called for unity among the government executives amid differences in political color.

He assured the leaders that the government's Performance Challenge Fund is for all and those from other political affiliations will get support as long as they adhere to the administration's platform of good governance.

"Di po kailangan ng palakasan at pa-pogian. Hindi niyo kailangang sumisip para mabigyan ng Performance Challenge Fund," Aquino said.

"At kahit saang partido pa kayong nanggaling, basta nagpapakitang gilas kayo sa serbisyo at tapat na sumunusunod sa patakaran, mabibigyan kayo ng kaukulang pondo at insintibo upang maiangat pa ang pamumuhay ng inyong mga nasasakupan," the President continued.

When asked by high school students last week, Aquino stressed that those who would want to succeed him in the next elections should demonstrate competence instead of being full of "air" or hollow as a rice puff or "ampaw."

"Substance is very important to me, being true. If you cannot trust the one who will lead us, how will you follow him?" Aquino said.

He said other important values that the next president should possess are selflessness and humility.

Aquino also noted that his successor must be clear on whether he was working for others or for himself.