BONGBONG MARCOS PRAISES PNOY, RIVAL VP BETS

At the homestretch of the campaign period Vice Presidential candidate Senator Ferdinand "Bongbong" R. Marcos, Jr. continues to honor his vow not to engage in mudslinging and cited positive traits of his rivals including President Benigno Aquino III when given the opportunity.

In an interview by Gen Subardiaga and Nelson Lubao in the program "Sa Ganang Mamamayan" aired over Net 25, Marcos acknowledged his surge in the recent surveys despite criticisms from his opponents and the Palace assessing that it was due to his clear and relevant program of government and his call for national unity.

"Alam nyo ang mga botanteng Pilipino ay marunong na, nakakaunawa talaga at marami nang natutunan siguro sa mga naranasang mga halalan," said Marcos.

Despite the attacks he received from some of his rivals, Marcos cited that they too have something to offer to the electorate in terms of their positive traits.

Brave, is how Marcos described Sen. Gregorio Honasan, as well as Senators Antonio Trillanes IV and Alan Peter Cayetano.

As to Cong. Leni Robredo, Marcos said: "Siya'y very candid at talagang transparent. Kasi siya mismo ang umamin na hindi siya handa na maging bise presidente noong bago siya tumakbo."

On the other hand Marcos credited Sen. Francis Escudero for being knowledgeable in governance due to his extensive experience as public servant.

While Pres. Aquino has led the attacks against him, Marcos said the Chief Executive should be credited for his anti-corruption drive.

"Sa aking palagay tapat ang kanyang hangarin na mabawasan o mawala ang kurapsyon, yun lamang siguro hindi siya masyadong natulungan nung mga nakapaligid sa kanya," said Marcos.

He noted that the government's anti-corruption drive has lost its luster when politics came into the picture, noting the widespread perception that while political opponents were prosecuted to the hilt the Palace allies were largely allowed to go scot free.

In his persistent call for national unity, Marcos said that after the elections politics should not influence governance and public service.

"Hindi na pulitika ang dapat nilang ginagawa. Ang trabaho ng opisyal ay gawin ang kailangang gawin para maging maayos ang patakbo ng pamahalaan, para maraming serbisyo ang nararamdaman ng mamamayan, para yung sinasabi nilang yaman ng Pilipinas ay maramdaman naman ng mamamayan," Marcos stressed.

Earlier, Marcos said he is ready and willing to help whoever wins as the country's next President.

Meanwhile, Marcos also expressed thanks to all the people who gave him warm welcomes in his sorties during the campaign period as he also called for everyone to exert vigilance to ensure clean, honest and credible elections.