Capitol standoff? P-Noy calls it ‘hype’

THE police will exercise maximum tolerance at the Capitol “so long as all parties adhere to the law and do not create situations” that will force them to take “more drastic actions.”

President Benigno Aquino III said this during his visit to Cebu yesterday, when he also commented that there is no standoff in the Cebu Provincial Government, since Acting Gov. Agnes Magpale is able to exercise her functions.

THE police will exercise maximum tolerance at the Capitol “so long as all parties adhere to the law and do not create situations” that will force them to take “more drastic actions.”

President Benigno Aquino III said this during his visit to Cebu yesterday, when he also commented that there is no standoff in the Cebu Provincial Government, since Acting Gov. Agnes Magpale is able to exercise her functions.

“Besides some attempt to hype it up in the media, there is no standoff that we are aware of,” President Aquino told reporters at the Mandaue City Sports Complex.

He denied the administration is “bullying” the governor for being a member of an opposition party led by Vice President Jejomar Binay. He also said the suspension followed due process.

No advice

Asked if he had any advice for Garcia, the President said: “I don’t think I have the right to give her unsolicited advice.”

President Aquino arrived at the Mandaue sports complex shortly before noon, after attending the inauguration of a shipyard in Balamban. He was accompanied by Liberal Party (LP) gubernatorial candidate Hilario Davide III, Interior and Local Government Secretary Manuel “Mar” Roxas and other officials.

While in Balamban, he paid tribute to excellent Filipino workers and welcomed the job and economic opportunities offered by the opening of the Austal Philippines shipyard.

“This is why I was so pleased during my trip to Australia, when I was reminded by the same people who welcomed me to this event, that from being builders of the great ships of the past, the Philippines has grown into the fourth largest shipbuilding country in the world,” Aquino said.

He also assured Austal Philippines that his administration will continue to support its industry to make it easier for companies like Austal to build ships in the country.

In Mandaue City, President Aquino introduced some of the LP’s senatorial candidates and met with the local party leaders.

Pitch

Present were senatorial candidates Jamby Madrigal, Risa Hontiveros, Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III, Jun Magsaysay and Sonny Angara. Cynthia Villar’s son, congressman Mark Villar, came on her behalf.

“Mahalaga po ang 2013 para sa ating bansa (The year 2013 is important for our nation),” Aquino said.

He urged voters to support LP senatorial candidates, saying he picked them.

“Magiging suave lang po ang byahe natin kapag mayroon tayong mga kakamping hindi magka-counterflow sa tuwid na daan at talagang makikipag-bayanihan para maitulak ang ating mga reporma (We will only have a smooth journey if we have allies who will not follow the straight path and will truly help push our reforms),” he said.

In his speech, Aquino also said he did not receive an invitation to attend the Sinulog grand parade this Sunday. Later, in an interview with reporters, he said his office receives 50,000 letters every month.

“Baka naman natabunan lang. (Perhaps the invitation just got swamped by all the mail.) I was not made aware that I have such an invitation,” he said.

Local LP members who attended yesterday’s event included Magpale, Rep. Tomas Osmeña (Cebu City, south district), Rep. Luigi Quisumbing (Cebu Province, sixth district) and Mandaue City Mayor Jonas Cortes.

Prospects

Apart from the chance to campaign for the LP’s Senate ticket, the President also spent time during his Cebu visit to highlight the economy’s growth, including in such sectors as shipbuilding.

“In 2011, our ship exports reached $638 million, a 57.9 percent increase from the previous year. And as of this moment, around 45,000 Filipinos make their livelihood working for shipbuilding companies,” President Aquino said.

He said he cannot overstate the impact, in the long run, of the Australian company Austal’s decision to set up a shipyard in Cebu.

“You have already finished construction of one ship for export, and I hear that four more ships will be finished before the end of the year, which will bring in a total of $70 million and give jobs to nearly 300 Filipinos, perhaps even more,” Aquino said.

He thanked the company for investing an additional $4.8 million to improve the shipyard facilities, calling it “a sign of intent” that Austal intends to operate here for the long haul.

As of the end of 2012, Aquino said, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority has certified around 95,000 welders in its registry, many of whom may apply for jobs in the company.

“Our government will not betray your trust, and neither will our people. You saw the skill and natural talent of the Filipino worker. More than that, you bet on their abilities; and I can say with certainty, you made the right choice. If you treat them right, Filipinos will not only perform their duties well, they will take it upon themselves to propel your company to even greater heights,” Aquino said.