SEN. Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III, exactly 40 days after the death of his mother, former President Corazon Aquino, declared yesterday he will run for president in next year’s elections.

Some politicians in Cebu said Aquino’s decision will compel them to rethink whom they will support in the 2010 presidential election. The Cebu-based Noynoy for President Movement welcomed the announcement, saying Aquino is the only presidential aspirant who does not view the presidency as a business opportunity.

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“Bayang Pilipinas, tatakbo po ako sa darating na halalan. Tinatanggap ko po ang hamon na mamuno sa labang ito at ipagpapa-tuloy ko po ang adhikain ng aking mga magulang (I will run for office in the next election. I accept the challenge to lead this fight and to pursue what my parents aspired for),” Aquino said in a press conference at the Club Filipino in Greenhills, San Juan City attended by his four siblings and other relatives, Liberal Party colleagues and supporters.

“Ipagpatuloy po natin ang labang ito (Let us continue this fight),” he added.

Aquino made the announcement in the Kalayaan Room, the same venue where his mother took her oath as president after the snap elections of 1986.

He represented Tarlac’s second congressional district from 1988 to 2007 and served as vice chairman of the House committee on civil, political and human rights, according to the Senate website. He studied economics at the Ateneo de Manila University.

Senator Aquino attended a spiritual retreat in his mother’s favorite monastery in Zamboanga City over the weekend and consulted his siblings and party allies before he decided.

His elder sister, Ballsy, said the people’s support after their mother’s death last month clinched the decision for them to support Noynoy’s candidacy.

“We felt the clamor of our countrymen to continue what our parents have started. So why should we prolong it? Many are asking when so we are supporting Noynoy’s decision to make the announcement today,” she said.

The senator named Sen. Manuel “Mar” Roxas II as his choice for a running mate. Roxas earlier announced his withdrawal from the presidential race to pave the way for Noynoy’s candidacy.

“I offered the vice presidential slot to him. As our party’s president, he has led us through difficult times and sacrificed so much for the party and the nation,” Aquino added.

Roxas is the party’s president while Senator Aquino is the executive vice president.

Pledge

If elected, Noynoy said he would make democracy work for the less fortunate.

“I would also root out graft and corruption in the bureaucracy through political will and work for a peaceful solution to the decades-long rebellion in the country, particularly the secessionist struggle by Muslims in Mindanao,” he said. “I want to make democracy work not only for the well-connected but more so for the poor.”

Liberal Party national chairman Franklin Drilon said: “He has accepted the challenge of our countrymen and the Liberal Party to be its standard-bearer…He will be the people’s candidate.”

Another party mainstay, former congressman Nereus Acosta, said Noynoy’s presidency would spring reforms, adding that the time to elect an alternative leader is now.

“I am happy because I have been looking for an alternative leader for four years now. I think his candidacy is a challenge to everyone to stand up and sacrifice and unite if we want to see our country take its rightful place among nations,” Acosta said.

“The time is right for the country and the people from all walks of life to support a reform-minded president like Noynoy,” said Sen. Kiko Pangilinan.

Present

Among the personalities present during Noynoy’s announcement were Roxas, Pangilinan, Drilon, Quezon Rep. Lorenzo Tañada III, former congressmen Florencio Abad and Nereus Acosta, singer-composer Jim Paredes, former defense secretary Avelino Cruz, and Leah Navarro of the Black and White Movement.

Also seen at the venue were former Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas governor Jose Cuisia, Akbayan Reps. Risa Hontiveros-Baraquel and Walden Bello, former social welfare secretary Dinky Soliman, Cavite Rep. Emilio Abaya, Quezon Gov. Rafael Nantes, Fr. Robert Reyes, businessman Ramon del Rosario, former trade secretary Cesar Purisima and former National Anti-Poverty Commission chair Imelda Nicolas.

Noynoy’s sisters—Ballsy, Pinky, Viel and Kris—were likewise there to show support. (Sunnex)