MANILA, Philippines – President Benigno Aquino III was a picture of calm on Saturday as he prayed for the country during the celebration of the Universal Day of the Sick at the Shrine of St. Therese of the Child Jesus in Pasay City.

“We beg you to receive our offering. We beg you to help us counter evil, sin and selfishness in our relationships and endeavors,” Aquino said.

This, after the President made the call for transparency on the controversial dollar accounts of Chief Justice Renato Corona amid the Senate impeachment proceedings.

Aquino was joined by Vice President Jejomar Binay, who said he prayed that the country will overcome its hardships brought about by calamities.

“Sabi ko, sana matapos na ang ating mga problema at paghihirap dahil sa mga kalamidad,” he said.

Meanwhile, Aquino, who has admitted that he is officially seeing TV personality Grace Lee, refused to give interviews to the media on the subject matter.

His sister Viel Aquino-Dee, however, said that although she has never met Lee, “whatever will make [my brother] happy will make me happy too.” -- Report from Pia Gutierrez, ABS-CBN News