|
SOME Mindanao politicians praised Senator Mar Roxas’ decision to withdraw from his presidential bid and instead throw his support to party-mate Senator Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino for the upcoming 2010 elections.
On Tuesday evening, Roxas announced on national television his decision citing the unity of their party, Liberal Party (LP), as the reason for his withdrawal from the presidential race.
Davao City Vice Mayor Sara Duterte said Senator Roxas seems decisive.
"But let's just wait and see in the coming days. Layo pa man ang November 30 (deadline for the filing of the certificate of candidacy). Hindi pa man din nag-decide si Noynoy. Mag-retreat pa daw siya," Duterte said.
Former Davao del Norte Vice Governor Anthony del Rosario, meanwhile, expressed his admiration to the senator.
"Making a big sacrifice, such as withdrawing from his plans to run for president in favor of Noynoy Aquino, reaffirms my admiration and respect for Senator Roxas. Sometimes we need to look beyond ourselves to see the bigger picture and Senator Mar has exactly done that. He is truly a man of substance," del Rosario said.
North Cotabato Vice Governor Emmanuel Piñol, meanwhile, branded Roxas’ move as a wise one.
"Interesting political development. It could trim down the number of presidential wannabes. Wise move on the part of Mar Roxas because he is not faring well in the surveys," Piñol said.
Mindanaoan Senator Aquilino Pimentel also lauded Roxas' move.
"Good for Mar. Still a tough fight for Noynoy," Pimentel said.
Senator Francis "Kiko" Pangilinan said Roxas displayed supreme statesmanship with this move.
"We laud his recognition of the country's need for reform over individual ambition. This display of sacrifice is what our countrymen yearn for. Gaya ng nasabi natin, pati ako handang isakripisyo ang aking mga plano para sa bayan. Mas importante ang kinabukasan ng Pilipinas kaysa sariling interes. Sa pagpapakita ng sakripisyo ni Senador Roxas, naging huwaran ito ng paglilingkod at pag-aalay ng sarili para sa ating mga kababayan," Pangilinan said.
Pangilinan adds that Roxas' announcement will help unite a reform oriented front towards genuine political reform.
"We are ready to respond to Senator Roxas' call to unite all groups committed to reform and genuine change," he added.
Several Davao City councilors also praised Roxas for his decision.
"LP Davao is proud of Senator Mar's move to withdraw in favor of Senator Noynoy. This shows how the party value the country first over selfish personal interest," LP-Davao head Councilor Peter T. Laviña said.
"Senator Noynoy can be expected to carry the hope of our nation. It's really up to him whom he will pick as his VP if he finally decides and files his candidacy," Laviña added.
For Councilor Danilo Dayanghirang, Roxas' move proved that "not all politicians are bad."
"We can see that in governance, there's still good intentions. That at the end of the day political interest can be set aside by public interest. His decision proved that politicians do not do everything in the name of politics. There is also decency in character. This shows that not all politicians are bad," Dayanghirang said.
"Before when Cory was about to run for President, Senator Salvador Laurel (of Batangas) chose to step down to give way to Cory. He chose to slide down in the name of unity. Who knows maybe someday there will be someone in Davao who also knows how to sacrifice," Dayanghirang added.
Councilor Nilo Abellera likewise agreed. "Nabilib lang ko kay Roxas because of what he did. He gave way so that there'd be unity among the opposition. Especially the Liberal Party because sa karon (Noynoy) is the unifying factor para mapatumba gyud ning administration," Abellera said.
Calling his decision the "most difficult" that he had to make in his entire life, Roxas said he did it for his country.
Roxas' decision came amid the increasing clamor for Senator Aquino to continue the legacy of his parents -- the late president Corazon "Cory" Aquino and martyred senator Benigno Aquino Jr. -- by running for a higher post. (BOT and JCZ)
|
Forums
