Noynoy gets church official’s nod, not endorsement

A senior leader of a religious group in the country on Monday said that Sen. Benigno Simeon "Noynoy" Aquino III has traits fitting for the presidency, but said the senator cannot expect an endorsement. In an interview on dwIZ radio, Association of Major Religious Superiors (AMRSP) head Sr. Mary John Mananzan said: "He [Nonoy] has the traits na kailangan sa isang magiging presidente (He has the traits to become a good president)." But she added that the AMRSP cannot campaign for him. "Kami sa AMRSP di nag-e-endorse ng candidate na kahit sino (We in the AMRSP will not endorse any candidate)," she said. The AMRSP is a group composed of men and women superiors of major religious congregations in the country. According to Mananzan, Senator Aquino is not likely to destroy the legacy of his parents, former Sen. Benigno Aquino Jr. and former President Corazon Aquino. He is not likely to engage in corruption and thievery, Manazan added. Also, Mananzan said she sees similar traits in religious leaders who have expressed intention of running for president. Although she did not elaborate on what these "presidential" traits were. "Ako masasabi ko lang ang nakikita kong katangian pero di ko sasabihing ito iboto ninyo. Kasi we are supposed to be non-partisan (I can tell you the characteristics of someone you should vote for but our group will not tell you who to vote for. We are supposed to be non-partisan)," she said. Sen. Aquino is enjoying an outpouring of support following the death of his mother last Aug. 1. [See: Nonoy-for-president movement] Even some members of the Liberal Party have shown openness for his running as president in 2010, but he has kept quiet on his plans so far. [See: LP open to calls to make Noynoy its standard bearer]