LP open to considering Noynoy as VP bet in 2010

Despite his current reluctance to seek a higher post in 2010, the Liberal Party is open to considering Senator Benigno Simeon "Noynoy" Aquino III as its vice presidential candidate in the upcoming elections, party officials and members said Friday. LP president Manuel "Mar" Roxas II said the party has always been open to fielding Aquino, who is the party's vice chairman, as its bet for the second highest position in the land. "Noy for VP or higher has always been an option," Roxas, a declared presidential aspirant, told GMANews.TV in a text message. "I know the family is grieving right now. It's actually much harder after the burial because it's quieter, no more ceremonies and you are with your thoughts and memories. For Noy, it's particularly difficult because he now has to go home to Times Street knowing his mom is not going to be there," Roxas said. "I know Noy. He's made of good solid stuff. He'll think about these after he grieves," he added. Senator's Aquino's mother, former President Corazon Aquino, was buried Wednesday at the Manila Memorial Park in Parañaque City. The democracy icon passed away early August 1 after a year-long battle with colon cancer. [See: Cory Aquino gets wish to be laid to rest beside Ninoy]

The senator, who was elected into office in 2007 and still has until 2013 to complete his term, had said that he is not keen on seeking a higher post in 2010. "I do not relish aspiring for a higher office at this point in time. The focus should be on performing my functions and my duties and responsibilities in this present mode and I have to highlight that given the current administration we are not in normal situation," he said. But several other LP officials and members said they welcome the possibility of Senator Aquino being the party's vice presidential bet, if ever he decides to pursue the post. "The decision whether or not to run is a matter Noynoy should [personally] decide. Of course if he decides, he is a member of the Liberal Party, then he will be truly welcome," said LP chairman and former Senate President Franklin Drilon in a phone interview with GMANews.TV. Qualified Quezon Rep. Lorenzo Tañada III, head of the LP bloc in the House of Representatives, said he believes Senator Aquino is qualified to run for a higher post. "I think there is no argument that the torch has been passed to Noynoy to continue what both his parents stood and fought for," Tañada said in a text message to GMANews.TV. "As to what his plans are, he alone will make that decision. Whatever his decision is, I believe he is qualified for a higher position. His heart is in the right place," said the congressman. This was echoed by LP member Muntinlupa City Rep. Rozzano Rufino Biazon, who said Senator Aquino is an LP member in "excellent standing." "I think he is a strong candidate and is very capable to live up to the Aquino legacy of righteous leadership. He could be considered by the party as one of its candidates for 2010," Biazon said in a text message to GMANews.TV. But Biazon also said there would have to be a selection process, as Roxas and Senator Francis Pangilinan have signified their intentions to run as president and vice president, respectively. Oriental Mindoro Rep. Alfonso Umali Jr., another LP member, said: "[I] am not sure if he (Senator Aquino) will reconsider, but personally, I don't think it's (VP post) a bad idea." In the 23-man Senate, four are LP members: Roxas, Aquino, Pangilinan, and Rodolfo Biazon. According to the LP website, there are currently 20 LP members in the House, and at least 11 local government officials nationwide are from the party. For his part, Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel Jr., a Cabinet member and senator during the Aquino administration, said in a text message to GMANews.TV that any political decision depends on the person concerned and his or her party. But the senator added, "For sure, Noynoy will get a good number of votes nationwide for any post." - GMANews.TV