President Aquino used Independence Day celebrations as a platform to deliver a strong political message amid the raging controversy over the pork barrel scam. Leading the Independence Day rites in Naga City, he rejected accusations of politicking and insisted that due process was given to those facing plunder and graft charges for the scam. Aquino also made a pitch for voters to wisely choose their next leaders in 2016 -- people who can continue the reforms initiated by his administration. ANC Dateline Philippines, June 12, 2014