Palace claims Noynoy retreat could be a 'gimmick'

The decision of Sen. Benigno Simeon “Noynoy" Aquino III to go on a spiritual retreat could be a political gimmick, a Malacañang official claimed on Thursday. Deputy presidential spokesman Anthony Golez made the statement at a press briefing in Malacañang after the senator asked for at least a week before deciding on whether he would run for president in next year’s elections. “We respect whatever gimmickry, whatever ways on how he can arrive at a decision," Golez said. Aquino on Wednesday said he would embark on a "spiritual retreat" to seek guidance on his political plans. His announcement came a day after Sen. Manuel “Mar" Roxas II, the Liberal Party's anointed standard bearer, stepped back from his presidential bid. Aquino’s announcement was reminiscent of the decision of his mother, late President Corazon Aquino, who went on a retreat in 1985 before giving in to the public clamor for her to run for the presidency during the snap elections in 1986. “Kung iyan ang talagang character niya (If that is really his character)...that’s the way he is, we have to respect that also," Golez said. - GMANews.TV