Press Release
October 12, 2013

To keep the gains of 'Tuwid na Daan"
PH NEEDS INCORRUPTIBLE PREXY IN 2016 -- KOKO

ILOILO CITY -- Short of saying that the Filipinos' birthright is not for sale, Senator Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel III, PDP Laban President, today said that the Filipinos should vote only for a leader who is not tainted with corruption in the 2016 presidential race.

"Huwag lang ang corrupt'," Pimentel told members of the influential JCI (Junior Chamber International) Philippines, composed of what is labeled as the "best and brightest" minds of the country, in a speech during its 65thnational convention in Iloilo City.

"I don't know if you'll agree with me, but as a senior Jaycee, my attitude for 2016 is, 'wag lang ang corrupt," said Pimentel, who is also the president of the political party PDP-Laban.

He said that a wrong choice will put to naught the gains made under the "Tuwid na Daan" of the Aquino administration and bring back instead institutionalized or unmitigated and conscienceless corruption in government.

'Wag lang ang corrupt' is the non-partisan call which should unite the people, Pimentel pointed out, as he urged the JCI members to take the lead in the pursuit of good governance "for the good of our people and the future generation of Filipinos".

"What is important is for us to unite behind something we all believe in," said Pimentel, adding that there could be no economic justice without good governance. "We cannot have government of laws without good governance."

Pimentel said that fighting corruption is part and parcel of the struggle towards good governance. He said "the fight against corruption can be reconciled with the non-partisan nature of the JCI organization because the pursuit of good governance is non-partisan in nature."

"Good governance concerns us all. Good governance benefits us all," said Pimentel, adding that that the Jaycees are united in their common belief and creed to work for the good of the people "and make this world a better place to live in."

Pimentel congratulated the recipients of the prestigious "Temiong Awards" of the JCI Philippines to its distinguished members who have excelled in serving the people in line with the organization's programs in the field of public service.

He also thanked the JCI Philippines for giving him massive assistance without much fanfare to win his re-election, and pledged to return the favor by pursuing the noble objectives of the Jaycees in addressing the felt needs of the people.

Pimentel said that among the proposed measures he would pursue in the Senate are judicial and electoral reforms and poverty-alleviation programs that are designed to improve the "quality of life" of the people, especially those mired in generational poverty.

He said that the elections must reflect the true will of the people because they deserve the government they elect under the democratic system of government. "We should concentrate on issues which affect our daily lives and the generations to come, not fight about election results after each election."

"I believe we have the needed resources to improve the quality of life of our people within our lifetimes. If only we minimize the waste. If only we stop the corruption. Which I believe we can do, if we help one another for this particular cause, kung magkakaisa tayo tungo sa hangaring ito," he said.

Just like the annual "Temiong Awards" which the cynics frowned during its infancy, Pimentel said that a united nation can stop unscrupulous politicians from pursuing their nefarious motives and put incorruptible leaders in government.

From an idea advanced by then JCI Senator Reginald "Reggie T. Yu seven years ago , the "Temiong Awards"are now world-class by their own rights, having been institutionalized not only in the country but internationally as well.

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