President Benigno S. Aquino III. Malacañang Photo Bureau
MANILA, Philippines—President Benigno Aquino is on top of the situation with regards to the conflict in Sabah, Senator Franklin Drilon, Team PNoy campaign manager, said Monday.
At the same time Drilon appealed to the people to stop inserting politics in the Sabah issue.
“Campaign rhetoric should take a backseat so that we can properly address the welfare of the 800,000 Filipinos living in Sabah. Already 300 of our countrymen have been deported. We are making this appeal in behalf of our compatriots who are living and earning their living in Malaysia,” Drilon said at a press conference.
Aquino has been criticized for being in Pampanga campaigning with Team PNoy senatorial candidates while the exchange of firefight was ongoing in Lahad Datu, Sabah.
“Let me tell you from personal knowledge that while the President had to fulfill that commitment of the speaking engagement with the local leaders, he had to leave the stage to go back to the room and continue monitor the situation,” Drilon said.
“He continues to govern, he’s on top of the situation and he has a schedule to follow. However, we will repeat, the welfare of 800,000 Filipinos which are caught in this very delicate situation in Sabah will be more than prime interest,” he added.
“Let us not muddle an already complicated situation,” Drilon said.