Light candles to help Noynoy decide, group tells Pinoys

A multi-sectoral group on Friday asked the Filipino people to light a candle every 6 p.m. starting today [Friday] until September 9 to help Senator Benigno Simeon ‘Noynoy’ Aquino III decide on his political plans for 2010. Aquino, who was recently endorsed as the standard-bearer of the Liberal Party (LP), went on a 'spiritual retreat' in Zamboanga City before he bares his plans for the upcoming presidential elections. “Everyday starting today at 6 in the evening, magsindi ng kandila at manalangin para sa discernment ni (light a candle and pray for the discernment of) Sen. Aquino," Senator Francis Pangilinan, a member of the group, said during a press conference in Makati City Friday. Pangilinan also urged the public to "pray and discern how can we help reform the country, our role and the sacrifices." Aquino arrived at the Carmelite Church and Convent in Zamboanga City to seek 'divine assistance.' [See: Noynoy in Zamboanga City for 'spiritual retreat'] Pangilinan called on printing press owners to help distribute yellow stickers and yellow shirts to show support for Aquino. “We are here to show our support for Aquino, gusto naming siyang magpasya at ipinapakita naming ang suporta sa kanya para lumakas ang loob niya na hindi siya nag-iisa (and give him confidence that he is not alone in this fight)," the senator said. The senator believed the candle-lighting and the flood of yellow shirts and stickers would inspire Aquino and help him decide whether he will run for president in 2010 or not. Aquino earlier said that seeing people wearing yellow would be his way to “validate the so-called clamor to run." Calls for the senator to seek the presidency have grown stronger after the death of former President Corazon Aquino and the 26th death anniversary of Benigno “Ninoy" Aquino Jr., on August 21. Noynoy’s mother succumbed last August 1 after battling colon cancer for over a year, with thousands of Filipinos tying ribbons to show support for the democracy icon. September 9 is the 40th day after Cory's death. The senator’s father was assassinated in August 1983 after returning from a three-year exile in the United States. The song, “Tie A Yellow Ribbon," written by Irwin Levine and L. Russell Brown became popular in the Philippines in the 80s after Ninoy expressed his intention to go back to the country and face his foe, then President Ferdinand Marcos. The group, which has yet to name itself, is composed of politicians, businessmen, civil society leaders and artists. Singer turned political activist Jim Paredes, said they are a reform movement that will make sure to "galvanize the forces for reform to help Noynoy Aquino become the President of the Philippines." “This is not in support of just one political party. This is a big tent that is open to all who believe that now is the time for people to unite in order to effect change," Paredes said. Paredes added that the group was formed to keep the "Cory magic" or "Cory fever" alive beyond the 2010 polls. “The movement should go beyond the campaign period, the movement should be a magnet for all those who still believe that there is still hope and we can save this country," he said. "We will make sure that the fever that we are talking about, the Cory fever, will translate to more than just a feeling, to a commitment." The group urged all individuals or organizations who are one in thier cause wanted to contact the offices of Sen. Pangilinan, and political reform groups Kaya Natin and Aksyon Demokratiko. Present in the press conference was Pampanga Gov. Ed Panlilio who said early Friday that he would no longer run for president in 2010 to support Aquino's candidacy. Also present were Robie Roco of Aksyon Demokratiko, Nueva Vizcaya mayor Sonia Lorenzo, Tagudin mayor Roque Verzosa Jr, Bacneng mayor Florante Gerdan and businessman JJ Soriano. - GMANews.TV