PRESIDENT Benigno Aquino III is not violating the law by campaigning for the candidates of his Straight Path Coalition, a Palace ally said Tuesday.
Cavite Rep. Elpidio Barzaga Jr. said the President had the moral duty to campaign for his bets.
“President Aquino not only has the right but the moral obligation to campaign for his chosen candidates,” said Barzaga, a stalwart of the National Unity Party.
He made his statement after Senator Francis Escudero questioned Aquino’s role in presidential candidate Manuel Roxas II’s campaign sorties.
Escudero, the running mate of independent presidential candidate Grace Poe, earlier said he was disappointed that the President chose to be part of a partisan exercise instead of remaining neutral.
Barzaga disagreed with Escudero’s claim that the Constitution bars a sitting president from seeking another term to ensure he will not be able to use the government’s resources in campaigning.
Barzaga defended Aquino’s campaigning for his candidates for the May 9 elections, saying Aquino was merely endorsing the candidates he believed had the best qualities to ensure the continuity of his program
“The president cannot just sit on the fence while a bunch of politicians try to outbox each other in the national political arena. He has to be decisive, guiding voters towards the best path he believes the country should take after he steps down,” Barzaga said.
He said Aquino was not a member of the Judiciary whose members could not engage in partisan politics.
“It’s but natural for the President to endorse his anointed candidates to ensure the continuity of his programs,” Barzaga said.