TWO former senators who survived the 1971 bombing of the Liberal Party rally in Plaza Miranda yesterday endorsed a Sen. Mar Roxas-Sen. Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III ticket for 2010.

Former Senate President and long-time LP leader Jovito Salonga aired his preference for the Roxas-Aquino tandem, saying both come "from good families."

Former Sen. Eddie Ilarde supported Salonga’s pitch, adding the two are sons of former LP presidential aspirants, referring to Sen. Gerry Roxas and Sen. Ninoy Aquino.

Salonga led a reunion at the Bantayog ng Mga Bayani in Quezon City of scores of those who survived the grenade attack. Others at the QC reunion were Mar’s mother Judy Araneta-Roxas, former Manila Mayor Mel Lopez and his vice mayor Danny Lacuna, and journalist Tony Lozano.

"All of us will never forget that evening," said Judy Roxas, adding that it is important to remember the Plaza Miranda bombing as it changed the course of Philippine history.

It was Salonga who was the most severely injured. He was permanently blinded in the left eye and he completely lost hearing in his right ear.

Salonga reiterated his recently published theory that President Ferdinand Marcos was not to blame for the bombing. He said it was Jose Ma. Sison, leader of the Communist Party of the Philippines, who was behind the blast.

In another political development, El Shaddai Movement leader Bro. Mike Velarde said he may find himself a presidential candidate if his flock does not find any viable candidate they could support next year.

He said his chances of running are "fifty-fifty," and he is now in consultation with El Shaddai members.

"Hindi ko sinasabing tatakbo ako, as of now, but naghahanap pa din tayo ng isang leader na mapag-i-isa ang ating bansa nang yung ating pagkahati-hati bilang isang community ay mabigyang solusyon," Velarde said.

In a thanksgiving message at celebrations of his 70th birthday and the 25th anniversary of the El Shaddai at the Amvel Park in Parañaque City, Velarde said: "My dream for the presidency...my house is divided on this issue and likewise the El Shaddai is divided on this but there is a prompting in my heart this country has a future if God wills it. I need no endorsement."

The Catanduanes-born layman said they are set to make their final decision in middle of November just before the filing of the certificates of candidacies opens at the Comelec.

Velarde said there more than 10 million members of the El Shaddai Movement around the globe.

Sources within the Jesus is Lord (JIL) Movement said Bro. Eddie Villanueva is set to declare his presidential bid today.

The insiders said the evangelist will make the announcement as his Pilipinas, Bagong Pilipino Movement commemorates today the death anniversary of Ninoy Aquino at the Barasoain Church in Malolos, Bulacan.