Sen. Pangilinan asked Roxas to give way to Sen. Noynoy Aquino

Senator Noynoy Aquino

MANILA, Philippines—Senator Manuel “Mar” Roxas was urged Monday to give way to Senator Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III if the latter decides to seek the presidency.

Senator Francis Pangilinan said he was also willing to give up his vice presidential ambition if only to unite their group, the Liberal Party, and throw their support for Aquino.

“I know Mar and his family have given up so much as well in preparations for 2010, and this too will be a huge sacrifice on their part,” Pangilinan said in a statement.

“But nothing is more important than sacrificing or our country and for the change we desperately need as a nation,” he said.

“I, too, am more than willing to sacrifice by giving up my VP bid if this is necessary to unite and rally all forces committed to genuine change behind Aquino’s presidential bid,” he said.

Pangilinan, Roxas and Aquino all belong to LP.

But for his to happen, Pangilinan said, Aquino must first set aside his own reservations and take on the challenge to seek the presidency.

“He (Aquino) has expressed his reluctance because of the reservations of his family. We can only imagine the pain and hardships their family has suffered all these years, but we appeal to him and the family to continue the legacy of sacrifice of their parents by setting aside their reservations and take on the challenge for genuine political change.” Pangilinan said.

Pangilinan also called on the LP “to take on the challenge of providing the country a viable standard bearer that will lead the coalition for change and other forces of reform.”

“Let us unite and make a sacrifice so we could give the people an alternative in 2010. This is not just a fight of LP. This is a fight of the force for change,” he said.

“Let’s encourage the Liberal Party and all reform blocks to support the candidacy of Noynoy and carry on the fight of Ninoy and Cory,” Pangilinan said.

Pangilinan said the party did not have the luxury of time since the deadline for the filing of candidacy is fast approaching.

"We cannot waste a minute longer in political intramurals. We need to build a ‘people’s army’ that will wage an electoral revolt against ‘trapo’ politics. The reformist forces must unite at the earliest possible time,” he said.

“Only when the nation’s leaders show a willingness to sacrifice will the people in their millions be inspired to do their share for the cause of genuine change,” the senator added.