Roxas gives way to Noynoy Aquino

Presidential aspirant Senator Manuel Roxas II gives way to Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III.

Saying he believed in “country above self,” Roxas stressed he would be supporting Aquino in the 2010 elections although it was not immediately clear whether Aquino would seek the presidency.

“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 added.

However, Aquino, who was also at the press conference, did not deliver a 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.

"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.

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.

I salute Senator Mar Roxas for being a good politician who think his country first before his pocket. Hope other politician will follow the braveness of Senator Mar Roxas.