Noynoy Aquino: No plan to run in 2019, will campaign for opposition bets

Former President Benigno Aquino III on Tuesday said he would not seek any elected post in 2019 and instead, would help in campaigning for their candidates to increase the number of opposition lawmakers in Congress.

“As of now, para maupo ako sa isang puwesto, bubuo sila para hindi tayo manalo kung tatakbo tayo. Alam mo na ang issue ng trolls, social media etc. Sa dami (ng batikos) sasangga ako nang sasangga, baka tayo manalo pero baka wala tayong kasama,” Aquino told reporters during the commemoration of the 35th death anniversary of his father, the late senator Benigno ‘Ninoy’ Aquino Jr.

The former Philippine leader said he would be more effective in promoting the candidates of the opposition.

“I plan to help those who have similar views, similar advocacies as I have. Gusto natin magparami ng bilang. Siguro naman dapat  tumulong tayo na meron tayong oposisyon na talagang constructive na magpo-provide ng tamang check and balance,” he said.

“Para makuha ang check and balance dapat may numero at hindi mangyayari ‘yan kung iilan lang ang nasa oposisyon. Trabaho ko na tulungan para magkaroong na malakas ng boses dito sa lehislatura,” he added.

Aquino reiterated that if he will run, he might be able to promote himself but not the other people and that would defeat his purpose.

“Kung tatakbo ako, baka itayo ko lang ang sarili kong bangko pero kung interest ng taumbayan sa paghihirap ko mas maraming makakaupo, kung mas makakatulong sa ating bansa kesa sa sumikat ako,mas mabuti na sumikat ang bansa,” he said. — Amita Legaspi/RSJ, GMA News