MANILA, Philippines - President Benigno Aquino III still won't name his preferred successor, reiterating that Filipinos will be the ones to continue his reforms.
In a speech at a women's month celebration in Pasay City on Wednesday, Aquino expressed confidence that Filipinos will continue treading the straight path after he steps down from office in 2016.
"Ngayon, may mga nagtatanong po sa atin: Paano na ang lahat ng ating naabot sa tuwid na daan pagkababa ko sa puwesto sa taong 2016? Sino ang magtutuloy ng ating sinimulan? Iisa lang po ang tugon ko rito: Kayo, ang mga women entrepreneur, at ang milyon-milyon nating kababayan ang magpapatuloy ng lahat ng ito," Aquino said.
"Tiwala nga po akong laging papanig ang Pilipino sa tama at makatwiran; patuloy na magsisikap ang bawat Juan at Juana dela Cruz para sa kapwa at bayan," he added.
In his speech, Aquino again trumpeted the country's economic gains under his watch, particularly in job and livelihood generation.
Aquino assured that the government will work harder during the remainder of his term.
"Sa nalalabi nating isang taon at tatlong buwan sa puwesto, dodoblehin pa natin ang ating pagsisikap at didiligan pa natin ng higit na sigasig ang mga binhi ng pagkakataon na ating ipinunla," he said.
The bachelor president also hinted, in jest, that he may try finding a partner after leaving Malacañang.
"I'm Noynoy Aquino. I'm single, and no children. Pero mga 460 days na lang ho, may laban na ako," he said.