Support P-Noy's Push for Reforms - Sen. Bam

"We are in the fourth quarter. Let's keep our eyes on the ball and not be distracted by criticisms."

A senator aired this call as he rallies the nation to support President Aquino's plans, programs and reforms in his remaining 700 days in office.

"We are in the last quarter of the game so to speak, the President needs all the support he can get. Let's help him accomplish his mission before his term ends," said Senator Bam Aquino.

The senator believes that President Aquino's State of the Nation Address (SONA) should be regarded as a call for healing and unity as his administration approaches the homestretch.

"We all know that the President is candid and he will speak his mind about issues that affect his bosses. This time, he wants everybody to set aside bickering and unite for the country's good," said Aquino.

The senator also hailed the achievements laid down by the President during the SONA, especially in terms of economic growth, employment generation and poverty incidence reduction.

During the SONA, the Chief Executive mentioned the record drop in the country's poverty incidence from 27.9 percent in the first semester of 2012 to 24.9 percent in same period of 2013, which translates to 2.5 million Filipinos currently above the poverty line.

He also cited the investment grades received by the country from three international credit rating agencies due to its continuing economic growth.

President Aquino added the government made great strides in its campaign against unemployment with the creation of 1.65 million jobs from April 2013 to April 2014.

"These figures prove that the government's push for inclusive growth works and we need to sustain it in the coming years through the enactment of laws that will further benefit the people," said Aquino.

As part of his contribution to the inclusive growth drive, Aquino said he would push for the passage of his measures pushing for growth of the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), such as the Poverty Reduction through Social Entrepreneurship (PRESENT) Bill, Youth Entrepreneurship Bill, Microfinance NGOs Bill, Credit Surety Fund Bill and among others.

"I expect the Senate to buckle down to work on the inclusive growth agenda for progress to be experienced by every Filipino family," Aquino said.