Top 40 Benigno Aquino III Quotes

When I was a congressman, I had occasion to talk to this group of students who were taking their seat. There were about 80 of them and I asked them, ‘How many of you will be serving in the country once you graduate?’ And, out of the 80, there were two that raised their hands. The rest were thinking of leaving.

The people want to go back to the time when democracy was in full bloom.

The Philippines is for the Philippines. We can defend ourselves.

I try to put myself in others’ shoes: How does any country give up any sovereignty and expect to survive as a government? I don’t think that any Philippine president, or any leader for that matter, can afford to give up any portion of territorial sovereignty. That would be political suicide.

With proper governance, life will improve for all.

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.

Perhaps the strongest signal of reengagement with Southeast Asia was the U.S.’s accession to the Southeast Asian Treaty of Amity and Cooperation.

Let me make it clear: The Disbursement Allocation Program is not pork barrel. Of the DAP releases in 2011 and 2012, only nine percent was disbursed for projects suggested by legislators. The DAP is not theft. Theft is illegal.

I’m not concentrated or concerned with any other factors rather than just being able to do the best job that I can.

I am from the class that has, in a sense, benefited from the status quo, but everyone still gets victimized.

I will not only not steal, but I will run after thieves.

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.

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.

I started out in public service in 1998 after the Asian financial crisis of ’97.

Although I was born to famous parents, I know and feel the problems of ordinary citizens.

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.

My father offered his life so our democracy could live. My mother devoted her life to nurturing that democracy. I will dedicate my life to making our democracy reach its fullest potential: that of ensuring equality for all. My family has sacrificed much, and I am willing to do this again if necessary.

As you may know, the Millennium Challenge Corporation, or MCC, awards grants only to countries which rule justly, promote economic freedom, and invest in their people.

You may have the might, but that does not necessarily make you right.

Typhoon Haiyan showed the entire world how vulnerable the Philippines as well as other developing countries are to natural disasters.

I can try to convince somebody else of my beliefs, but I should not be imposing.

I think President Obama, like myself, is a multitasker.

I’ve been called ‘hardheaded,’ ‘obstinate,’ ‘unreasonable,’ etc.

As far as same-sex marriage, I really would want to think about that a lot more given the fact that my focus would be always on the child. The innocent should not be given more even burdens than what is absolutely necessary.

I want to make democracy work not only for the rich and the well connected but for everyone.

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.

I had a simple goal in life: to be true to my parents and our country as an honorable son, a caring brother, and a good citizen.

I’ve talked to so many people, so many institutions, about how China works.

Part of my mandate is to curb corruption and streamline a cumbersome, graft-ridden bureaucracy, to put resources where they will provide the clearest results, and to untangle a complicated regulatory environment.

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.

Anytime emotions are involved, you cannot come up with an impartial and objective assessment of any given problem.

The message has to be sent that if you commit a crime there has to be punishment.

I believe nobody should be discriminated against.

The focus of my administration is, if somebody decides to work abroad, then it has to be from choice as opposed to necessity.

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.

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?

My mother’s style has always been consensus-generating.

China itself has said repeatedly that they will and have been conforming to international law.

I’m not a coffee person.

Pictorial is something that I am not used to. You have to pose, smile, bend your arm, straighten up, look to the left.