MANILA, Philippines — Don’t count on President Benigno Aquino III attempting to secure a second term.

Aquino on Tuesday said he did not agree with groups calling for his re-election.

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“Even there are some quarters that were saying I should try and go for a second term, I don’t think that’s a right solution,” he told members of the Semiconductor and Electronics Industries in the Philippines (Seipi) during their general meeting at The Peninsula Hotel in Makati City.

The President was responding to a businessman who asked how the country’s economic growth could become sustainable after 2016.

“We all have a time card in this world and we have to prepare for the eventuality of being called — to meet our maker,” Aquino said.

No to populists?

He did, however, caution them against electing a leader who is “extolling popoulist sentiments with no substance.”

“Now, with regards to how do we sustain this after 2016, then perhaps I will vote for the right candidate and if I can ask you also to discern properly as to whom is extolling populist sentiments with no substance as opposed to that which who not only says the right things but whom you can trust to delivering the same,” he said.

“There has to be that continuation of people of like mind who will deliver on the promises that are real and not just self-serving or nice, pleasant to hear,” he added.

Aquino did not mention who he was referring to as “extolling populist sentiments” although administration allies have been butting heads with the camp of Vice President Jejomar Binay.

Binay, who has announced his plans to run as president in 2016, accused his critics of being elitist and anti-poor. The vice president has been banking on a pro-poor image to secure the presidential seat.

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Originally posted at 2:06 pm | Tuesday, October 28, 2014

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