Aquino: Foes, critics behind collapse rumors

MANILA, Philippines - President Benigno Aquino III on Monday accused his political enemies and critics of spreading rumors about his health.

In his speech at a briefing on the South Luzon Expressway Toll Road 4 project in Quezon province, Aquino again dispelled reports that he collapsed in Malacañang on Friday and was admitted to an intensive care unit.

Also denying that he has a serious illness, Aquino described such reports on his health as mere gossips or "make-believe."

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Aquino belied claims that the administration was behind the rumors to gain public sympathy amid the backlash over the Mamasapano incident.

He suspected that his political foes and critics were the ones who started the rumors to sow confusion and discord and to advance their agenda.

"Talaga naman pong para sa mga pursigido nating kritiko, tila sala init sala sa lamig ang aming sitwasyon. Pagtitiwalaan po ba natin ang mga katunggali natin sa tuwid na daan gayong umaabot na sa sukdulan at walang pakundangan ang pagnanais nilang magdulot ng agam-agam at kaguluhan, pati sa pag-iisip ng publiko," Aquino said.

"Sila po ang gumagawa ng tsismis na wala namang katuturan o basehan upang isulong ang sariling agenda. Sila rin po ang mga nagnanais na makuha ang kapangyarihan at makinabang muli sa baluktot na kalakaran," he added.

Aquino discouraged Filipinos from believing in such rumors, saying there is nothing to be gained from them.

The president suspected that the rumors on his health were part of the efforts aimed at weakening his endorsement power in 2016.

"Sa susunod na taon may eleksyon na naman po tayo at ako po'y napag-isip lalo na 'nung 'yung kinalat nilang tsismis. Ang tindi talaga nitong mga kalaban natin. Bakit hanggang diyan umabot na sila?" he asked. 

"At siguro matanong ko rin sa sarili ko: At alam naman po nilang hindi na ako tatakbo next year, bakit ba pinupuntirya na nila parati akong banatan, banatan, at banatan?" Aquino added.

Despite the reforms initiated by the administration, Aquino said his critics continue their attacks on his leadership to divide the nation and to bring back the old system.

Aquino assured, however, that he will continue pushing for reforms in his remaining 465 days in office.

"Tinitiyak ko naman po sa ating mga boss: gaano man kalakas ang ingay na ginagawa ng mga naghahasik ng negatibismo, mananatili akong tapat sa mandatong ipinagkaloob ninyo sa akin," he said.