Roxas sacrifices poll bid,
gives way to Noynoy
‘I do this for unity behind change’
BY ASHZEL HACHERO
SEN. Manuel "Mar" Roxas II, saying "somebody has to make a sacrifice," yesterday quit the 2010 presidential race to give way for his Liberal Party mate Sen. Beningo "Noynoy" Aquino III as the party standard bearer.
At the Club Filipino in Greenhills in San Juan, Roxas announced his support for Noynoy but avoided disclosing his immediate plans. However, there have been talks he will slide down to vice president.
Noynoy was present at the event but chose not to speak. He is set to hold a press conference today to announce possibly a Noynoy-Mar tandem.
"Today, I am announcing my support to the candidacy of Noynoy Aquino for president in 2010. Noy has made it clear to me he wants to carry the torch of leadership," Roxas said in a prepared statement.
"Noynoy Aquino and I share the outrage in the mess we are all in," Roxas said. "I want to make a difference. I am the president of the Liberal Party. It is within my power to preside over a potentially divisive process or to make the party a bridge for the forces of change."
Calling his decision the "most difficult in my political career and entire life," Roxas reiterated he is doing it for the country.
"I do this for unity behind change. And if that means that somebody must make the sacrifice, then I have decided it must be me, and me alone," he added to rousing cheers from the audience.
"To you, Noy, I say: I began the campaign to sow the seeds of change. You must now be the one to grow them in the arena of leadership and I will stand with you. Hindi kami maghihiwalay ni Noy." Roxas said.
Roxas had long prepared for his presidential bid and made no pretenses on that since topping the senatorial race in 2004 where he garnered 19 million votes, said to be the highest ever posted by any national candidate. He has been consolidating the LP as his presidential vehicle with the help of fellow Visayan former Senate president Fanklin Drilon.
The Roxas clan is synonymous to the LP which is also the party of Noynoy’s assassinated father, former Sen. Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino Jr.
Following the death of Noynoy’s mother Cory Aquino last August 1, public clamor has snowballed for the young Aquino to run for president.
Last Monday, Aquino hinted he may break an earlier plan to discuss political plans not earlier than Sept. 9, the 40th day after the death of Cory.
Reacting to the developments in the oppositionist LP, President Arroyo’s top political adviser Gabriel Claudio said Roxas’ decision to give up will only "complicate matters" for the factionalized opposition.
"It’s a very interesting development. It will definitely complicate matters further for the opposition more than it will affect the administration coalition," Claudio said in a text message. – With Jocelyn Montemayor
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