President Obama and I recognize the importance of strong economic engagement for the continued growth of both the Philippines and the United States. – Benigno Aquino III
Both President Obama and I shared the conviction that territorial and maritime disputes in the Asia Pacific region should be settled peacefully based on international law. We affirm that arbitration is an open, friendly and peaceful approach to seeking a just and durable solution. – Benigno Aquino III
My administration’s compact with the Filipino people will demand no less than the attainment of lasting peace and equitable prosperity. We will employ all the tools at our disposal to achieve this. – Benigno Aquino III
When my father was assassinated, I decided that I would not compete with his memory, but the priority would be to achieve his dream. – Benigno Aquino III
The Philippines is strategically located and blessed with the greatest resource: its people, who are hard-working, very loyal, and very adaptive. – Benigno Aquino III
I remove a lot of the pressure from myself by saying I’m not competing with my parents. They are the persons who taught me my ideology. They actively practiced what they preached. They’re the exemplars and the role models. So how does one compete with a mentor? – Benigno Aquino III
While I accept that there are certain things about my private life that will always be of interest to the public, it would be better if you give the same amount of attention to issues that matter as well. – Benigno Aquino III
Perhaps the strongest signal of reengagement with Southeast Asia was the U.S.’s accession to the Southeast Asian Treaty of Amity and Cooperation. – Benigno Aquino III
I started out in public service in 1998 after the Asian financial crisis of ’97. – Benigno Aquino III
The Philippines-U.S. Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement takes our security cooperation to a higher level of engagement, reaffirms our country’s commitment to mutual defense and security, and promotes regional peace and stability. – Benigno Aquino III
The message has to be sent that if you commit a crime there has to be punishment. – Benigno Aquino III
If we say yes to something we believe is wrong now, what guarantee is there that the wrong will not be further exacerbated down the line? – Benigno Aquino III
If my father Ninoy Aquino were alive today, he would say that he is not superman or superboy. In effect, heroes are really just ordinary people caught up in extraordinary times and respond properly. – Benigno Aquino III
Typhoon Haiyan showed the entire world how vulnerable the Philippines as well as other developing countries are to natural disasters. – Benigno Aquino III
I was put into office by the people who believed in my idea that corruption is the root of poverty; that an end to corruption would mean an end to poverty. – Benigno Aquino III
Peace in the Middle East is of prime importance to the Philippines, due to the presence of around 2 million of our countrymen working in that region. – Benigno Aquino III
I want to make democracy work not only for the rich and the well connected but for everyone. – Benigno Aquino III
We don’t get typhoons in December. They normally end by September. A typhoon happening in October is considered a late event. – Benigno Aquino III
I can try to convince somebody else of my beliefs, but I should not be imposing. – Benigno Aquino III
China itself has said repeatedly that they will and have been conforming to international law. – Benigno Aquino III
Although I was born to famous parents, I know and feel the problems of ordinary citizens. – Benigno Aquino III
We will revive the emergency employment program established by former President Corazon Aquino. This will provide jobs for local communities and will help in the development of their and our economy. – Benigno Aquino III