NOYNOY VISITS PORT AREA COMMUNITY

Filipinos flash the Laban sign

MANILA, Philippines—Senator Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III on Saturday held a consultation with the people of Baseco in Port Area, Manila, a known bailiwick of former president Joseph Estrada, who is one of his possible opponents in the 2010 presidential race.

Aquino was given a warm reception by some 300 residents, mostly leaders and members of the people's organization called Kabalikat sa Pagpapaunlad ng Baseco.

There were some women who mobbed him, all wanting to take a glimpse of him or have their photos taken with him.

Jeorgie Tenolete, the president of the group which he claimed consists of thousands of members, said they were throwing their support behind Aquino.

"We're confident that he's the one who can initiate change and reform not only in the government but specially in the lives of the poor," Tenolete said.

He admitted it was Senator Manuel "Mar" Roxas II whom they had been supporting before Aquino announced his presidential bid.

Last week, Aquino declared he will seek the presidency in 2010, a week after Roxas, the Liberal Party president, announced he was giving way to him.

Aquino is enjoying a surge in popularity following the death of his mother, former president Corazon Aquino last August 1 and the 26th death anniversary of his father, former Senator Benigno Aquino Jr.

"We've decided to support whoever Senator Mar chose to support. They share the same principles anyway," he added.

Asked if he thought the entire Baseco community would support Aquino, Tenolete said: "As far as Kabalikat is concerned, we're behind him. But it's true that some residents here were saying they still prefer Erap."

In an interview with reporters, Aquino denied that his visit to the area meant he was trying to woo the urban poor community's support.

"I've long been working with these people," said Aquino, who added that part of the prize money that he and his brother-in-law James Yap won in the now-defunct ABS-CBN game show "Deal or No Deal," which his sister Kris had hosted, went to the community.

Tenolete said the P40,000 that Aquino gave to them as part of his prize went to building of a tutorial center that now benefits underprivileged children in the community.

Several residents in the area voiced out various issues, from security of tenure to electrical connection problems to his plans for senior citizens. But Aquino refused to leave any promises.

"I came here to listen to you. Ayokong mangako tapos kakainin ko lang yung sinabi ko pagdating ng panahon. Ayokong sabihin na sagot ko na lahat ng problema nyo, binobola ko na kayo nun. I want us to work hand in hand in finding and creating solutions to your problems," he told the people.

One woman was overheard saying that his approach was similar to that of former President Ramon Magsaysay.

"I believe my approach is a combination of what my father and my mother did," he said. "Maybe my father's flamboyance, sometimes, and my mother, who chose to hold consultations first before making important decisions."

Asked if he thought he was better prepared than his mother when she assumed the presidency, Aquino answered: "I've been working within the system for quite a long time already. I've seen how it was during her time when she took over and I've seen how things are in the present administration. I'm realistic about what's possible and impossible.”

To a question on his choices for a running mate should Roxas not accept his offer, Aquino replied, "There's a second, a third and a fourth (choice)."

"But I am already talking to Senator Mar," he quickly added. "He's a friend, a party mate, the party leader. He has already put up a platform which I support. We have a commonality in vision and methodology, so why not extend it for the benefit of the people?" [By Tina Santos, Philippine Daily Inquirer - First Posted 20:23:00 09/12/2009]