Noy talks about plans after his term

President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his speech during the commemoration of National Heroes Day at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City on Monday (August 25). This year’s theme is “Bayaning Pilipino: Lumalaban para sa Makatuwiran at Makabuluhang Pagbabago.” Also in photo are Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff General Gregorio Pio Catapang, Jr., Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, National Historical Commission of the Philippines chairperson Dr. Maria Serena Diokno and Taguig City Mayor Ma. Laarni Cayetano. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau / PCOO)

MANILA – There is still more than a year before his term ends, but as early as now, President Benigno Aquino III has already laid down some of his plans when his role as the “servant” of the people ends.

Talking to reporters during the Bulong Pulungan forum held Friday, Aquino said he is planning to “recover” by taking a break for at least a year.

“Foremost on my mind, together with my Cabinet, is to take at least a year’s break to recharge and recover from all the tensions, turmoil (and) concerns over the past six years,” Aquino said.

While his term as the  President will soon be over, Aquino still looks forward to give service to his “bosses” in ways other than politics.

“I think I will try to look for a means to serve in another capacity rather than an elective office,” he added.

He sees writing a book where he can share his experiences as the president among the good ideas to have the people learn from his term.

“We’d really want to interact with the youth and help shape the next generation so that we don’t repeat the same mistakes. In exactly what form? I’m not exactly sure at this point (but) we are concerned with today’s issues,” the President said.

He also added that come June 30, 2016 and a new president is sworn, he would love waking up late, again.

“… And perhaps looking forward to the following day when I don’t have to wake up too early. I can laze around and get used to living on Times (Street) again. And perhaps visit the neighborhood supermarket and fast food joints around,” the President said.

Though he was very open in answering the questions, the president has chosen to pre-empt a question often asked by reports.

“I look forward to your thought-provoking questions, (but) might I preempt you (on) one question always asked here, the one about my love life—to which the answer remains the same,” Mr. Aquino said, to much laughter from his audience.

At the age of 54, the president remains a bachelor and remains mum on his plans of marrying and having his own family.

Aquino also shared the happiest moments during his presidency.

“But I guess, at the end of the day, (the happiest moment is) when you see the renewed optimism and the attitude that is different in our people, (when) it seems nothing is impossible … From the time we stepped into office when there was massive cynicism, when the primary goal was how to leave the Philippines, to now … (when) the young (are) coming back home. That, again, makes us all happy and makes all of this worthwhile,” Mr. Aquino said.