The effects of the wrath of typhoon Ondoy have been strewn all over the capital of the Philippines especially the eastern part of GMA, and in some other provinces like Bulacan and Rizal. The grim picture has been mirrored in the news on TV, the radio, and online, and in social networking sites like Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and in many blogs.
One of these very useful and informative blogs is that by Manuel L. Quezon III. If you need information and updates regarding hotlines, donations, how to help, or if you want to announce your need for help, or if you have some useful information to announce, etc., please check out his blog by clicking this link How to Help
After typhoon Ondoy submerged many parts of the GMA in flood, many kind-hearted Filipinos flooded the dreadful tableau with selfless voluntarism and generosity, some of whom even heroically died in the process of helping others.
While a handful of Filipinos (I think they should be disowned by the Filipino nation) had acted insensitively by posting insensitive comments about the disaster, and taking opportunity at the expense of the victims for their personal gains (politicking, over-pricing(some taxi drivers), and stealing from flooded houses), a great number of Filipinos and companies selflessly extended help for the flash flood victims. Many in the GMA volunteered to help in the rescue, distributing and organizing relief goods, sharing their resources, skills, etc, while many in other provinces who were not affected sent relief goods and donations.
Typhoon Ondoy invoked the Filipino Bayanihan spirit which seem to be a scarce commodity these days. I hope that we, Filipinos, learn from this devastating event. And I hope that the Filipino Bayanihan spirit is alive not only during extreme tragedies like this, but in our everyday Pinoy lives.
Monday, September 28, 2009
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
New Politics Presidential Candidate Nick Perlas Suggests Better Noynoy Aquino Path to Presidency
I am enlightened by environmentalist Nicanor Perlas' assessment that a unity brought about by a common vision and strategic agenda for the Philippines is longer-lasting than a unity against a common enemy, which is what is actually happening now with the unification of some presidentiables giving up their candidacy to give way to Noynoy to bring down the Arroyo camp candidate.
His article also revealed to me why I am still apprehensive with Noynoy's candidacy. The questions which are at the back of my mind are: Is the Liberal Party trapo? Or, at least, are there LP members who are trapo? What is the assurance that if Noynoy would win as president, some LP members would not actually be "running" the Office of the President? What is Noynoy's vision and strategic agenda for the Philippines and how does he plan to lead the country to such goals?
Anyways, he had just recently made the decision to run for the presidency. Let us give him time to sort out his plans for the Philippines. One important thing with him is that he is the presidentiable with the purest of intentions.
Nonetheless, read Nick Perlas' sensible take on Noynoy Aquino's candidacy and the kind of unity the Philippines needs by clicking Filipino Voices...
Noynoy Finally Announces His Bid for the Presidency
As "The Son" rises, is there hope for a sunshiny brand new day for the Philippines?
Eversince Senator Mar Roxas vacated LP's seat for the presidential candidacy I have been in a dilemma, and I think many Filipinos share the same state of indecision with me, of whether or not Senator Noynoy Aquino fits the bill as the President of the Philippines in 2010. Given the choices in the presidential candidates buffet table, I had no appetite to feast on any of them.
But served with a new dish, relatively foreign, since he was out of the limelight prior to his good mother's death, I am considering waiting in the buffet line. But the question that keeps on nagging me is "Can he really do it?" Sans the favorable bias that he benefited from the deaths of his parents and listening to the apprehensions of his critics and other Filipino voters, I was in doubt.
The way I see it, his proven integrity (and that of his family) is what sets him apart from the other presidentiables. Is this integrity more important than the "proven track records" of the other candidates to redeem Juan dela Cruz from his misery? We can answer this by asking another question: What really ails Juan dela Cruz?
Without batting an eyelash my answer would be "moral decay", corruption in particular, gnawing at the moral fiber of the government and our society. You beg to disagree? Think: What really makes Juan dela Cruz poor? Is it really overpopulation? Or overpopulation of crooks and relatives in the government? Why is our educational system so flawed? What cracks our roads? The list continues... But the most interesting question is: Why do a lot of politicians scramble for low-paying positions in government, willingly paying millions, if not billions, of pesos just to become a lowly "public servant"?
Conrado De Quiros' Inquirer.net column today entitled "Yes He Can" seems to answer my quandary of Noynoy's capability to become the next Philippine President. The following paragraphs are snippets of his column that made me think:
What this country needs today is not someone to manage things, it is someone to clean up things. What we need today is not someone to make a business flourish, it is someone to make a dwelling place habitable, one whose previous tenant left it in a condition only cockroaches, rats, and real-estate speculators, in ascending order of predation, can appreciate. Who better to do this than Noynoy?
Or if you persist in using the CEO image, the job at hand is CEO, but only of a company that has been bankrupted by a bunch of crooks. Whom would you hire to revive it? An efficiency freak with a long résumé but who has business interests that compete with the company, who is a known tirador or beholden to people who are, and who therefore can only be trusted to efficiently pillage some more? Or someone you can trust?
...the question “Can Noynoy do it?” is a wrong one. The real question is, “Can we do it?” To paraphrase John F. Kennedy, what we need today is to ask not what the president can do for us but what we can do for the president.
The power of a democracy does not lie in a strong leader—or heaven forbid, strong republic—it lies in a strong people...
You have to read de Quiros' entire column though, and see for yourself if you can be convinced to believe that he can. No, we can! Here is the link to Yes, He Can.
Watch Blockbuster Movies for Free
Now's the best time to sit back and relax with your loved ones at the movies.
Use your Citi Card anywhere and enjoy these blockbuster treats:
Minimum single-receipt purchase of P1,500 anywhere
Get 1 Free Movie Pass worth P130
Minimum single-receipt purchase of P7,000 anywhere
Get 2 Free Movie Passes worth P260
Plus Popcorn & Softdrinks for 2
Minimum single-receipt PayLite purchase of 20,000 anywhere
Get 3 Free Movie Passes worth P390
Plus Popcorn & Softdrinks for 3
For every new approved Citi One Bill enrollment
Get 2 Free Movie Passes worth P260
Plus Popcorn & Softdrinks for 2
Catch the movies you've been waiting to see because the Free Movie Pass can be redeemed until November 30, 2009.
Simply present your Citi Card together with your valid charge slip at the following participating cinemas:
AYALA CINEMAS
Alabang Town Center, Muntinlupa
Glorietta 4, Makati City
Greenbelt 3, Makati City
TriNoma, Quezon City
Ayala Center Cebu, Cebu City
EASTWOOD CINEMAS
Libis, Quezon City
ROBINSONS MOVIEWORLD
Robinsons Ermita, Manila
Robinsons Galleria, Quezon City
Robinsons Metro East, Pasig City
Forum Robinsons Pioneer, Mandaluyong City
Robinsons Bacolod, Bacolod City
Robinsons Dasmarinas, Cavite
Robinsons Iloilo, Iloilo City
Robinsons Lipa, Batangas
Robinsons Starmills, Pampanga
Robinsons Tacloban, Leyte SHANG CINEPLEX
Shangri-La Plaza, Mandaluyong City
SM BRANCHES
METRO MANILA: Bictuan, Fairview, Mall of Asia, Manila, Marikina, Megamall, Muntinlupa, North Eda/The Block, San Lazaro, South Mall, Sta. Mesa, Sucat, Taytay, The Podium, Valenzuela, plus IMAX Theaters in Mall of Asia and North Edsa
LUZON: Bacoor, Baguio, Baliwag, Batangas, Clark, Dasmarinas, Lipa, Lucena, Marilao, Molino, Naga, Pampanga, Rosales, Sta. Rosa
VISAYAS: Bacolod, Cebu, Iloilo
MINDANAO: Cagayan De Oro, Davao
There's more! You can now buy your movie tickets and Pay with Points.4
Use your Citi Rewards Points to pay for 50% of your movie tickets. The rest will be charged to your Citi Card.
Example:
So, why pay cash when you can use Rewards Points?
1
To qualify for the promo, cardholder must use his/her Citi Card within the promo period, whether for a straight or PayLite transaction in the Philippines.
2
Citi One Bill lets a cardholder charge utility bills under his/her Citi Card. To qualify for the promo, the utility must be enrolled and approved within the promo period. Call 995 9999 to enroll in Citi One Bill.
3
The free movie pass must be used on the same day that it is redeemed. The free movie pass is worth P130 each and the cost of the difference versus the actual screening ticket shall be for the account of the Cardholder.
4
Pay with Points valid for Citi Classic/Gold VISA/MasterCard and Citi Platinum VISA only. Cardholder must use Citi Rewards points to pay for up to a maximum of 50% of the price of the movie ticket. Available at Ayala Malls Cinema, Eastwood Cinema, Robinsons Movieworld and Shang Cineplex.
Per DTI-NCR Permit No. 3705, Series of 2009
from Citibank Philippines website
To check out other Citibank promos, click here.
_________________________________________________________
With today's economic downturn, a lot of Filipinos settle for pirated DVD's played in their own living rooms to watch movies. Many Filipinos are resisting to buy "want" items in favor of "need" items. So maybe, to increase consumer spending through credit card use, Citibank offered this promo. Partnering with Citibank, the above mentioned cinemas are also able to increase movie watcher traffic.
Credit card users can avail of about 8.7% "savings" with Citibank's free movie pass promo. But they must be careful, lest they might end up frequenting unnecesary P1,500 purchases.
GMA NewsTV recently reported an increase in unpaid credit card debts as of June this year in the Philippines showing that consumers may be having a hard time meeting financial obligations. Moreover, it could also be that Filipinos are increasing their credit card usage to augment insufficient income stream. But credit card users must always be concious of the daunting interest rates when they do not fully pay their credit card balances every due date.
When availed rationally, the Citibank free movie pass promo is a treat for Filipinos so that they can relax and see a movie after a hard day's or week's work.
Friday, September 4, 2009
Which Man of God is Serving Which God?
One of today's top stories:
Panlilio, Padaca offer full support for Noynoy in 2010
Throwing their support behind Senator Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III, Pampanga Governor Ed Panlilio and Isabela Governor Grace Padaca on Friday announced that they will no longer join the 2010 presidential race.
"Pagkatapos ng aming pagdarasal, pakikilahok sa mga kaganapan sa ating lipunan at pag-iisip at pagkonsulta sa aming mga taga-suporta, nagpasya kaming lahat na tugunan ang tawag ng pagmamahal sa bayan, sakripisyo at pagkakaisa na pinangunahan na ni Senator Mar Roxas noong...
To read the rest of the report by MARK D. MERUEÑAS and JOHANNA CAMILLE SISANTE, please click here GMANews.TV
____________________________________________________________________________________
Meanwhile, on one side of the multi-sided Philippine political fence, another "Ed of God" vying for the Philippine presidency made a differing announcement to that of the on-leave priest. The report by Dennis Carcamo of Philstar News Service follows:
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Villanueva pushing through with presidential bid
MANILA, Philippines – Jesus Is Lord leader Bro. Eddie Villanueva said he will pursue his presidential candidacy and will not follow the move of Sen. Mar Roxas, who two days ago gave up his 2010 bid.
“The only way to achieve Bangon Pilipinas’ vision of a new Philippines and platform of righteous governance is to stay in the race,” Villanueva said in a statement.
Although he respects Roxas' decision, Villanueva -- also the head of the political party Bangon Pilipinas – said the Liberal Party head's move will not dissuade him from pushing through with his plans for the country.
"The Liberal Party’s move does not influence Bangon Pilipinas' own plans,” he added.
Roxas earlier withdrew from the presidential race to give way to partymate Sen. Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III.
In a radio interview, Villanueva said Bangon Pilipinas offers voters a “true alternative” in the 2010 polls.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
In one of the previous front-page reports of the Philippine Daily Inquirer, a comment to this effect was written: GMA must be so bad, several "Men of God" want to run for president. It is part funny, part exasperating, and perhaps partly true.
But another thing that is both funny but exasperating is the propensity for disunity of Filipinos, especially among different organizations, despite the commonality of their professed good intentions.
Take for example the several separate group or cause websites for Cory Aquino, or for the Philippines (not just Definitely Filipino), or for Cebu, popping up in Facebook. More or less they share similar objectives, why can they not volt in as one big ultra electromagnetic machine, like the five special earth defense agents of Voltes V, to effect a greater impact.
In like manner, the Philippines is in dire need of a consortium of opposition parties and candidates which carry the banner for reform for the restitution of the moral fiber of the now decadent Philippine political system and leadership.
While Noynoy discerns for a big decision, perhaps the biggest in his life, many Filipinos contemplate whether he is already The One, or not. But in the meantime, with the turn of events, we get a glimpse of who to cross out in our list of our presidential bets, thus, making the decision process less difficult. If we read between the lines quoted from the other opposition parties reacting to the foregoing of Mar Roxas' presidential bid in favor of Noynoy Aquino, there are hints of how their professed messianic intentions for the Philippines tilt toward the deliverance of their respective parties rather than for the entire damned nation.
I beg of you, always be on the lookout, Pinoys!
Panlilio, Padaca offer full support for Noynoy in 2010
Throwing their support behind Senator Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III, Pampanga Governor Ed Panlilio and Isabela Governor Grace Padaca on Friday announced that they will no longer join the 2010 presidential race.
"Pagkatapos ng aming pagdarasal, pakikilahok sa mga kaganapan sa ating lipunan at pag-iisip at pagkonsulta sa aming mga taga-suporta, nagpasya kaming lahat na tugunan ang tawag ng pagmamahal sa bayan, sakripisyo at pagkakaisa na pinangunahan na ni Senator Mar Roxas noong...
To read the rest of the report by MARK D. MERUEÑAS and JOHANNA CAMILLE SISANTE, please click here GMANews.TV
____________________________________________________________________________________
Meanwhile, on one side of the multi-sided Philippine political fence, another "Ed of God" vying for the Philippine presidency made a differing announcement to that of the on-leave priest. The report by Dennis Carcamo of Philstar News Service follows:
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Villanueva pushing through with presidential bid
MANILA, Philippines – Jesus Is Lord leader Bro. Eddie Villanueva said he will pursue his presidential candidacy and will not follow the move of Sen. Mar Roxas, who two days ago gave up his 2010 bid.
“The only way to achieve Bangon Pilipinas’ vision of a new Philippines and platform of righteous governance is to stay in the race,” Villanueva said in a statement.
Although he respects Roxas' decision, Villanueva -- also the head of the political party Bangon Pilipinas – said the Liberal Party head's move will not dissuade him from pushing through with his plans for the country.
"The Liberal Party’s move does not influence Bangon Pilipinas' own plans,” he added.
Roxas earlier withdrew from the presidential race to give way to partymate Sen. Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III.
In a radio interview, Villanueva said Bangon Pilipinas offers voters a “true alternative” in the 2010 polls.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
In one of the previous front-page reports of the Philippine Daily Inquirer, a comment to this effect was written: GMA must be so bad, several "Men of God" want to run for president. It is part funny, part exasperating, and perhaps partly true.
But another thing that is both funny but exasperating is the propensity for disunity of Filipinos, especially among different organizations, despite the commonality of their professed good intentions.
Take for example the several separate group or cause websites for Cory Aquino, or for the Philippines (not just Definitely Filipino), or for Cebu, popping up in Facebook. More or less they share similar objectives, why can they not volt in as one big ultra electromagnetic machine, like the five special earth defense agents of Voltes V, to effect a greater impact.
In like manner, the Philippines is in dire need of a consortium of opposition parties and candidates which carry the banner for reform for the restitution of the moral fiber of the now decadent Philippine political system and leadership.
While Noynoy discerns for a big decision, perhaps the biggest in his life, many Filipinos contemplate whether he is already The One, or not. But in the meantime, with the turn of events, we get a glimpse of who to cross out in our list of our presidential bets, thus, making the decision process less difficult. If we read between the lines quoted from the other opposition parties reacting to the foregoing of Mar Roxas' presidential bid in favor of Noynoy Aquino, there are hints of how their professed messianic intentions for the Philippines tilt toward the deliverance of their respective parties rather than for the entire damned nation.
I beg of you, always be on the lookout, Pinoys!
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Mar of the Hour
Senator Manuel Roxas II is definitely the Man of the Hour for his gentlemanly act of vacating and offering the seat for presidential candidacy to his partymate Senator Benigno Aquino III. This is one move I had been waiting for from the other presidential wanna-be's preaching reform and change. Almost everyone is appreciative and full of praise for what Korina Sanchez's fiance' did, save for the negative and vague comment from Malacanang. Well, this unity is, afterall, intended to dismount this administration's pack of wolves'greedy grip to power.
For some reasons, I was a Mr. Palengke fan. But after months of seeing Mr. Palengke-transformed to Mr. Padyak TV ads everyday, he lost me as part of his voting market. But his recent move probably gained him my vote for his vice presidency.
However, one point running in my mind that keep on nagging me all day long is people's comment about his "sacrifice". In the first place, if the intentions of those running for president are really pure, it would already be a sacrifice to run for presidency, if indeed, the real intention is public service. But if it is just political ambition, and he stepped down from his candidacy to give it to Noynoy, now that is sacrifice. To give up his candidacy is not really that great a sacrifice.So the question is, was his intention to run only a personal political ambition considering that he sees his stepping down as a sacrifice? Or is the sacrifice he is referring to is the humongous cost of his premature politcal ads? I also hope that this sacrifice is beyond the sacrifice for the unity of the Liberal Party only, in the same manner that I wish opposition candidates would be selfless enough to forego their candidacy for the welfare of the Philippines and not just for their respective parties.
What would be a greater sacrifice, giving up a political ambition the realization of which is yet very uncertain? Or giving up a relatively serene political life after all his family had gone through in the previous years, cutting short the grieiving period for a lost beloved mother, and perhaps postponing a possible forthcoming tying the knot with a loved one?
If our presidential candidates see the Philippine presidency as a royal throne, then foregoing an opportunity to sit on it is ultimately a sacrifice. But if our presidential candidates see the Philippine Presidency as a humble public servant's workbench, then stepping down from candidacy would not be that huge a sacrifice.
Whatever their original intentions for running are, I hope that the other opposition candidates, especially those clamoring for reform, will set aside this desire to sit on the royal throne and selflessly roll out the red carpet for the one they think our country badly needs. Mar has already set the stage...
For some reasons, I was a Mr. Palengke fan. But after months of seeing Mr. Palengke-transformed to Mr. Padyak TV ads everyday, he lost me as part of his voting market. But his recent move probably gained him my vote for his vice presidency.
However, one point running in my mind that keep on nagging me all day long is people's comment about his "sacrifice". In the first place, if the intentions of those running for president are really pure, it would already be a sacrifice to run for presidency, if indeed, the real intention is public service. But if it is just political ambition, and he stepped down from his candidacy to give it to Noynoy, now that is sacrifice. To give up his candidacy is not really that great a sacrifice.So the question is, was his intention to run only a personal political ambition considering that he sees his stepping down as a sacrifice? Or is the sacrifice he is referring to is the humongous cost of his premature politcal ads? I also hope that this sacrifice is beyond the sacrifice for the unity of the Liberal Party only, in the same manner that I wish opposition candidates would be selfless enough to forego their candidacy for the welfare of the Philippines and not just for their respective parties.
What would be a greater sacrifice, giving up a political ambition the realization of which is yet very uncertain? Or giving up a relatively serene political life after all his family had gone through in the previous years, cutting short the grieiving period for a lost beloved mother, and perhaps postponing a possible forthcoming tying the knot with a loved one?
If our presidential candidates see the Philippine presidency as a royal throne, then foregoing an opportunity to sit on it is ultimately a sacrifice. But if our presidential candidates see the Philippine Presidency as a humble public servant's workbench, then stepping down from candidacy would not be that huge a sacrifice.
Whatever their original intentions for running are, I hope that the other opposition candidates, especially those clamoring for reform, will set aside this desire to sit on the royal throne and selflessly roll out the red carpet for the one they think our country badly needs. Mar has already set the stage...
Roxas lauded for sacrificing 2010 bid
Roxas lauded for sacrificing 2010 bid
from abs-cbnNEWS.com
MANILA - Senator Manuel "Mar" Roxas II drew praise for his announcement on Tuesday withdrawing from the presidential race in 2010, with many saying he showed integrity and selflessness in his decision.
"The decison of Sen. Mar Roxas to give way to Sen. Noynoy Aquino is a display of gallantry and patriotism, a sacrifice brought about by his genuine concern for the Republic over and above his own interest," Bukidnon Rep. Ruffy Biazon said in a text message to ABS--CBN News.
"His act is consistent with his battlecry of 'hindi ko kayo pababayaan,' showing that indeed, he has taken care of the welfare of the Filipinos by giving in to their clamor," Biazon added.
"The Black and White Movement salutes Senator Roxas for his statesmanship and selflessness. Senator Mar has demonstrated tonight that his ultimate objective is to be a servant leader by being prepared to follow even at the cost of his campaign to lead the country," the Black and White Movement said in a statement.
"This is a reminder for all of us that when country comes first, all other decisions and considerations easily follow," the statement added.
Meanwhile, partymate Senator Francis Pangilinan lauded Roxas's decision, saying he displayed "supreme statesmanship" with his move.
"Senator Roxas displayed supreme statesmanship with this move. We laud his recognition of the country's need for reform over individual ambition. This display of sacrifice is what our countrymen yearn for," Pangilinan said in a statement.
Pangilinan also reiterated that he is ready to sacrifice his own plans for the sake of the country.
"Gaya ng nasabi natin, pati ako handang isakripisyo ang aking mga plano para sa bayan. Mas importante ang kinabukasan ng Pilipinas kaysa sariling interes. Sa pagpapakita ng sakripisyo ni senador Roxas, naging huwaran ito ng paglilingkod at pag-aalay ng sarili para sa ating mga kababayan," he added.
Pangilinan added that Roxas' announcement will help unite a reform-oriented front towards genuine political reform.
Other parties weigh in
Akbayan Rep. Risa Hontiveros-Baraquel said their group also lauds Roxas's decision, saying the move shows "political maturity."
"Hinahangaan namin ang desisyon ni Sen Mar Roxas ang pagbigay daan niya kay Sen Noynoy Aquino ay nagpapakita ng political maturity, pagrespeto sa kagustuhan ng nakakarami, at pagmamahal sa bayan," the statement read.
"We know that this has been a hard decision but it is a brave one - to withdraw from a presidential race in favor of party unity is a grand and noble act," Baraquel added.
Meanwhile, the Nacionalista Party congratulated Roxas for showing "character and integrity" for giving way to Aquino.
"The Nacionalista Party welcomes the entry of Senator Noynoy Aquino into the presidential race. In the same light, we congratulate Mar Roxas for showing character and integrity in accepting the challenge of giving way to Senator Aquino," a statement from the NP said.
"We, the Nacionalista understand that this is an internal party matter best left to the members of the Liberal Party whom they see fit to run for President. The NP is currently in the middle of its own preparations for the challenges that lay ahead in 2010," the NP statement added.
United Opposition (UNO) president and Makati City Mayor Jejomar Binay, meanwhile, said the LP president has shown "admirable humility" with the decision.
"I have nothing but the highest respect for Sen. Mar Roxas. He has sacrificed his personal goals for a higher interest. I am sure this has been a difficult decision for him, but he has shown admirable humility," Binay said in a statement.
"I remain optimistic that the opposition will be able to rally behind a common presidential candidate for the 2010 election. With the withdrawal of Sen. Roxas, there is all the more reason for opposition parties and personalities to sit down and address the issue," he added.
However, Malacañang said this decision by Roxas could "complicate" matters for the opposition.
"It's a very interesting development. It wil definitely complicate matters further for the opposition more than it will affect the administration coalition," a text message from Presidential Adviser Gabby Claudio said.
abs-cbnNEWS.com
from abs-cbnNEWS.com
MANILA - Senator Manuel "Mar" Roxas II drew praise for his announcement on Tuesday withdrawing from the presidential race in 2010, with many saying he showed integrity and selflessness in his decision.
"The decison of Sen. Mar Roxas to give way to Sen. Noynoy Aquino is a display of gallantry and patriotism, a sacrifice brought about by his genuine concern for the Republic over and above his own interest," Bukidnon Rep. Ruffy Biazon said in a text message to ABS--CBN News.
"His act is consistent with his battlecry of 'hindi ko kayo pababayaan,' showing that indeed, he has taken care of the welfare of the Filipinos by giving in to their clamor," Biazon added.
"The Black and White Movement salutes Senator Roxas for his statesmanship and selflessness. Senator Mar has demonstrated tonight that his ultimate objective is to be a servant leader by being prepared to follow even at the cost of his campaign to lead the country," the Black and White Movement said in a statement.
"This is a reminder for all of us that when country comes first, all other decisions and considerations easily follow," the statement added.
Meanwhile, partymate Senator Francis Pangilinan lauded Roxas's decision, saying he displayed "supreme statesmanship" with his move.
"Senator Roxas displayed supreme statesmanship with this move. We laud his recognition of the country's need for reform over individual ambition. This display of sacrifice is what our countrymen yearn for," Pangilinan said in a statement.
Pangilinan also reiterated that he is ready to sacrifice his own plans for the sake of the country.
"Gaya ng nasabi natin, pati ako handang isakripisyo ang aking mga plano para sa bayan. Mas importante ang kinabukasan ng Pilipinas kaysa sariling interes. Sa pagpapakita ng sakripisyo ni senador Roxas, naging huwaran ito ng paglilingkod at pag-aalay ng sarili para sa ating mga kababayan," he added.
Pangilinan added that Roxas' announcement will help unite a reform-oriented front towards genuine political reform.
Other parties weigh in
Akbayan Rep. Risa Hontiveros-Baraquel said their group also lauds Roxas's decision, saying the move shows "political maturity."
"Hinahangaan namin ang desisyon ni Sen Mar Roxas ang pagbigay daan niya kay Sen Noynoy Aquino ay nagpapakita ng political maturity, pagrespeto sa kagustuhan ng nakakarami, at pagmamahal sa bayan," the statement read.
"We know that this has been a hard decision but it is a brave one - to withdraw from a presidential race in favor of party unity is a grand and noble act," Baraquel added.
Meanwhile, the Nacionalista Party congratulated Roxas for showing "character and integrity" for giving way to Aquino.
"The Nacionalista Party welcomes the entry of Senator Noynoy Aquino into the presidential race. In the same light, we congratulate Mar Roxas for showing character and integrity in accepting the challenge of giving way to Senator Aquino," a statement from the NP said.
"We, the Nacionalista understand that this is an internal party matter best left to the members of the Liberal Party whom they see fit to run for President. The NP is currently in the middle of its own preparations for the challenges that lay ahead in 2010," the NP statement added.
United Opposition (UNO) president and Makati City Mayor Jejomar Binay, meanwhile, said the LP president has shown "admirable humility" with the decision.
"I have nothing but the highest respect for Sen. Mar Roxas. He has sacrificed his personal goals for a higher interest. I am sure this has been a difficult decision for him, but he has shown admirable humility," Binay said in a statement.
"I remain optimistic that the opposition will be able to rally behind a common presidential candidate for the 2010 election. With the withdrawal of Sen. Roxas, there is all the more reason for opposition parties and personalities to sit down and address the issue," he added.
However, Malacañang said this decision by Roxas could "complicate" matters for the opposition.
"It's a very interesting development. It wil definitely complicate matters further for the opposition more than it will affect the administration coalition," a text message from Presidential Adviser Gabby Claudio said.
abs-cbnNEWS.com
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