Noy warns vs. authoritarian leadership

Former President Benigno Aquino III has warned Filipinos against the threat of authoritarian leadership in the Philippines.

In a forum about democracy in Ateneo De Manila Professional School in Makati City, Aquino underscored the importance of democracy as well as letting citizens voice their sentiments on certain issues.

Without naming personalities, Aquino claimed that there are "frustrated" individuals who think that things can be faster under an authoritarian system.

"Basically, merong mga tao na frustrated, nakikita that with an authoritarian setup, things can be faster. Even the benevolent dictator can magnify the problems if you concentrate power and decision-making in one person and one group," Aquino said, as reported by Unang Balita on Wednesday.

Aquino also made a comment about China following President Rodrigo Duterte's remarks regarding the entry of Chinese workers to the Philippines.

"Alam mo, China can really be a fantastic friend. Isa lang naman ang requirement eh. Pag may sinabi sila, 'Yes, Sir.' Pano pag hindi? You know 'yung north rail... it's a Philippine project to be done in the Philippines, will be paid for by the Filipino people, pag nagkaroon ng dispute, Chinese court o Hong Kong court," he said.

Earlier, the former president aired his concern about the seeming return of the martial law era.

Aquino even mentioned Duterte's desire to change the country's name to Maharlika, a Marcos-era proposal. —Anna Felicia Bajo/KBK, GMA News