Quotes from Benigno Aquino III

There is a theory that China will tend to push, and if you bend, they will push some more.

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.

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.

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.

I'm not a coffee person.

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

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.

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.

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

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

One of the things my father taught me was you should not exclude those who are opposed to your ideas.

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.

When my father was assassinated, I decided that I would not compete with his memory, but the priority would be to achieve his dream.

While I accept that there are certain things about my private life that will always be of interest to the public, it would be better if you give the same amount of attention to issues that matter as well.

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

I have to study, study, and study because I have to learn everything. Everyone expects me to be an expert on everything.

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.

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.

With proper governance, life will improve for all.

I didn't have any ambition to be president. It was fate. The people found me.

We in the Philippines know we have to perform our own role in terms of promoting peace in the world. We are actually members of the U.N. peacekeeping forces in many areas.

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