Aquino justifies Roxas' appointment as 'troubleshooter'

President Benigno Aquino III on Wednesday justified his decision to make his defeated running mate, former Sen. Mar Roxas, his government's chief adviser and "troubleshooter." “I am no Superman," he said. “Kalokohan naman ‘yung ako si Superman, na kaya ko lahat ‘yan mag-isa (Unlike Superman, I can't run this government alone)." Interviewed at the sidelines of the 65th anniversary celebration of the Liberal Party at the Club Filipino in Greenhills, San Juan, Aquino said he shouldn't be criticized for seeking help from "competent" people. "If there is somebody else who can adhere to the concept, start collating the necessary information, then that speeds up the process and lessens the burden of the people. I can get anybody. Nobody will begrudge me if I will seek the assistance of people who have competence," he said. Roxas initially was the LP’s bet for president in the May 10, 2010 elections, but he withdrew from the race following strong clamor for Aquino to run for president after the death of Aquino's mother, former President and democracy icon Corazon Aquino, in Aug. 2009. Aquino said aside from his official family, he needs someone who will help him attend to several concerns of the country.

Aquino said Roxas, a former Trade secretary, will be a big help in addressing the current problems of the administration like the impending MRT and LRT fare hike, and the rice importation problems in the National Food Authority. "Identifying the problem, determining the correct solution, he (Roxas) will assist me in that aspect," he said. "He can digest the same problems so that I will have more time in actually operationalizing the solution, rather than go in their investigation." Roxas, for his part, reiterated his readiness to help Aquino in any way he can. He denied accusations that he will be the one to rule the country and become the "Little President." "Mataas ang aking respeto kay Pangulong Noynoy. Mataas ang aking respeto sa Tanggapan ng Pangulo. Mahaba din ang aking public track record at wala naman kayong masasabi na kahit anong anomalya na dumapo sa aking pangalan o kahit anong pagmamalabis sa katungkulan," he said. (I respect President Aquino and the Office of the President. I've been in government service for a long time and I haven't been involved in any irregularity.) Roxas said he has yet to discuss his financial compensation with Aquino. - KBK, GMANews.TV