Visit inspired us - Aquino

Manila, Philippines, October 28, 2014 - President Benigno S. Aquino III yesterday said the successful visit of Pope Francis to Manila has inspired his government and the Filipino People to act with more determination to combat poverty.

"We will carry on with even greater resolve our mission to conquer poverty, to lift every citizen to a life of dignity and well-being and to sustain ourselves on the needs of the spirit," Mr. Aquino III said in his short speech during the departure ceremonies for the Pope.

The President said his government, like the people who heard the Pope’s message of faith, hope and love, is “committed to meeting the greater needs of all humanity.”

He said the Pope has left the country “with a new sense of both the capabilities and responsibilities of our national community - specially our resources of spirit and our responsibilities to others.”

At the same time, the President said his Philippines will continue to coordinate with his neighbors in trying to bring peace and economic prosperity in the region and the world.

For his part, Vice-President Jejomar Binay said the Pope's visit should have effect on criminals and other wayward elements of society.

Interviewed at the old Manila International Airport Terminal after the departure of the Holy Father, Binay Sr. said he is hoping the Pope's Apostolic Visit will be “the start of the conversation of criminals towards a better life and legal occupation.”

“Sana itong ating mga kababayan na naliligaw ng landas ay nagkaroon ng pagbabago ng kaisipan. Sa ibinahagi sana ng ating Santo Papa, sana'y hindi na mag-hanap-buhay ng illegal, at humanap ng trabaho na mahusay,” the Vice-President said.

“Wala silang panahon na magnanakaw, ang mga naliligaw ng landas, siguro sa pagdating ng ating Santo Papa ay humingi din ng kapatawaran. Sana tuloy-tuloy na ito,” Binay Sr. said.