UNLIKE some of his opponents who promised projects for Cebu, Sen. Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino said he prefers to take a supporting role and help facilitate the projects that Cebuanos themselves will identify, if elected president.
Aquino said, though, that Cebu’s power supply is a concern that he wants to help address.
In his press conference at the Mactan Cebu International Airport yesterday morning, the senator also appealed to local allies of the Liberal Party to adhere to party lines and to campaign for the party’s slate.
Even if 25 local chief executives from three Visayas provinces and other parts of Mindanao signed a manifesto of support for his cousin Gilberto Teodoro, Aquino remained confident that some administration allies will defect to LP before the May 10 polls.
He is also confident that LP’s gubernatorial bet Hilario Davide III and vice gubernatorial candidate Gregorio Sanchez will deliver the votes for LP’s national and local lineup.
“Vice Governor Sanchez and (former) Councilor Davide are up against incumbents but we’re confident that there will be a lot of voters who will be supporting us or perhaps are supporting the other party but will eventually support us,” Aquino said.
He suspects that those who signed the manifesto of support for administration candidates are still waiting to get funding for projects, which could be compromised if they openly defect to LP.
“You’ll be surprised with how many local government officials are complaining about the current system... Alam naman po natin meron pang mga releases na inaasahan at merong pakinabang ang pakikisama sa administration party pero malapit na rin po ang public works ban kung saan dapat natapos na yung lahat na releases na yon at magbabago pa yung sitwasyon... Palagay ko sa Marso ay makikita ninyo at magugulat na lang kayo (Many local officials are still waiting for funding and are aware of the benefits of sticking with the administration party. Things will change when the public works ban takes effect. You will see the changes by March and you’ll be surprised,” he continued.
Aquino admitted, though, that LP candidates need to campaign more in Cebu, but he will not make random promises to give projects to Cebu, if they are elected.
Instead of imposing his ideas on Cebuanos, he said he prefers to ask the Cebuanos what Cebu’s problems are and what they think the solutions are, “then my job is to be a facilitator to help you... to ask you because you’re the ones most aware of your problem.”
“One of the concerns I have is energy. I understand you have a shortage of 30 megawatts during summer months. That has to be addressed. We have to figure out the right sources and how to bring power supply to Cebu. The bottom line is without adequate power that is reasonably priced, your growth is hampered,” he said.
On the issue of taxes, he committed to increase tax collection so the National Government will not have to impose additional taxes, and to run after tax evaders and smugglers.
Aquino appealed to LP allies to campaign for all their candidates, just days after Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña said that Bando Osmeña Pundok Kauswagan will drop senatorial candidate Ralph Recto from their lineup.
The mayor said he will not support Recto because the latter also did not support Cebuano candidates in Batangas, his bailiwick.
Aquino said he was not aware that there is any friction between Osmeña and Recto.
On a lighter note, Aquino assured his concerned supporters that marriage is among his plans.
“Is it my plan? Yes. Kailan? Iyan ang hindi pa natin alam... In the end nasa Diyos na yan eh. Kung ipipilit ko na hindi sa oras nya, walang mangyayari, frustrated lang ang labas ko nyan (When? I don’t know yet. Only God knows. I will wait for his will),” he added.