Mar Roxas Gives Way to Noynoy Aquino for 2010

Presidential aspirant Senator Manuel Roxas II proclaimed his support to Cory Aquino's son Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III for the upcoming 2010 presidential election. Noynoy, however have not yet confirmed his decision for the presidential bid.

“Today, I’m announcing my support for the candidacy of Noynoy Aquino for president for 2010,” Roxas said in a televised press conference at the Club Filipino in San Juan, Metro Manila.

“Sa madaling salita, Noynoy has made it clear to me he wants to carry the torch of leadership,” he further added in his speech.

Roxas said that after several talks with Aquino, they came up with a decision that would help them pursue their “common dream” for change.

“Ito na ang pinakamabigat na desisyon sa buhay ko [This is the biggest decision I've made in my life],” said Roxas who already released several political advertisements ahead of the 2010 polls. He is also set to marry broadcaster Korina Sanchez in October.

“I do this for unity in support for change…if that means somebody has to make a sacrifice, ako na,” he said.

Senator Roxas have not yet clearly specified as to what will his plans for the upcoming election. Will he be the running mate of Noynoy as a Vice Presidential candidate or will seek re-election in the Senate?

The senator’s late father, former Senator Gerry Roxas, was a close friend and political ally of Aquino’s assassinated father, former Senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr. The older Roxas and Aquino almost went against each other for the 1972 presidential elections, which did not push through when then president Ferdinand Marcos declared martial law.

Cory Aquino's Son To Run For President on 2010

Senator Francis 'Kiko' Pangilinan endorsed Senator Benigno 'Noynoy' Aquino III to be the standard bearer of the Liberal Party (LP) in the 2010 presidential elections. Senator Kiko said that he believes that Noynoy can unify the opposition block in the country.

"Sa larangan ng pulitika ngayon, naniniwala ako na si Sen. Aquino ang may kakayahan na pagkaisahin ang pinakamalawak na hanay ng iba’t ibang pu­wersa na ang hangarin ay ganap at tunay na pagbabago,” stressed by Senator Pangilinan.

Prior to the endorsement of Senator Kiko, the Aksyon Demokratiko said that they will support Noynoy to run in presidential race. Pampanga Gov. Ed Panlilio, another presidential aspirant and a priest, expressed that he will give way to Noynoy.

“Matapos mamatay at ilibing si dating Pangulong Aquino, nagbago na ang sitwasyon ng pulitika sa bansa at dapat kilalanin ng Liberal Party iyan,” told by Pangilinan in a radio interview with DWIZ.

Noynoy and Mar Roxas are scheduled to discuss as to who will run for the 2010 presidential election. Noynoy assures that whatever there decisions, it will not split the Liberal Party.

On the other hand, Mar Roxas said that he will heed his bid for president if it is the "will" of the people. “Ako naman po ay masunurin din. Nakikinig sa tao at nakikinig sa tawag ng panahon,”.