PNoy hits critics anew: I'll pray for you

President Benigno Aquino III on Thursday addressed his critics anew, saying he will just pray for them because he is too busy trying to make a difference in the country.

 

"Bahala na kayo kung happy kayo diyan; ang magagawa ko, ipagdadasal ko na lang kayo at asikasuhin ko yung dapat kung asikasuhin," Aquino said during a forum at the Hope Christian High School in Manila.

 

Despite the economic achievements of the Philippines, the President has been the target of criticisms because of slow government response to Typhoon Yolanda and the persisting power problem in Mindanao.

 

But Aquino said he has learned to ignore these criticisms and instead focus on work.

 

"I have six years to do what I set out to do and what the people are expecting me to do. May karapatan ba akong makipagdebate sa kanila na tatanggalin yung oras para asikasuhin yung problema ng bansa natin? Palagay ko nakakakunsensiya kung doon ko ibibigay yung oras," he said.

 

And instead of getting him down, he said he uses these as a "motivating tool."

 

He explained that critics normally don't have anything better to do, meaning some of them are unemployed, which inspires him to create more jobs and livelihood programs.

 

"Itong mga persistent na walang ginagawa kundi yan na napaka-negative, baka naman kulang lang ng opportunities para maging productive. Eh di hahanapan ko din sila," he said.

 

He said he recognizes there are also critics who are "driven by mercenary considerations." 

However, he said, it would be a disservice and injustice for the public if he engaged them.

 

"So maski gusto kung sumagot [from] time to time—tao rin naman tayo—pero babalik tayo na habang nandiyan ako nakikipagsagutan merong napapabayaan at hindi puwede yun. So yun ang rumerenda sa akin," he said.

 

"Tataasan lang tayo ng blood pressure, walang nakinabang doon; at hindi pa naasikaso yung dapat asikasuhin," he added.

Aquino also said in December that he is leaving the fate of his critics to God. — Kimberly Jane Tan/JDS, GMA News