Mar-Noynoy or Noynoy-Mar?

MANILA, Philippines - Senators Manuel Roxas II and Benigno Aquino III are open to who the Liberal Party would choose between them as the presidential and vice-presidential candidate in next year’s elections.

Roxas said Aquino “is qualified” to run for president.

 “(Aquino) is carrying great responsibility left behind by his parents,” he said.

However, they have not talked about a possible tandem, he added.

Asked how he would react to calls for Aquino to run for president under the LP, Roxas said: “Why not? It is all up to him. I think at the right time he will decide on what is right for him.”

On the other hand, Aquino, who reported for work yesterday, said he was not inclined to seek higher office at this time.

He had not yet felt that he was being called to be the leader of the land, he added.

However, Aquino said he could not dismiss the advice from respectable people, including those from the media, for him to serve the nation in a higher capacity.

“At this point in time let me just pray that I be given guidance as to what my responsibilities are to my people, to God, to my family to my country,” he said.

Aquino said he is focusing on his family and the transition that would happen next year.

“To push for one’s candidacy, of course the concentration will be on one’s self,” he said.

“What’s important here is to concentrate on other people, the problems of the country and not in elevating one’s political fortunes.

“I’m inclined not to seek higher office at this time. However, I was reminded by a very respected member of your industry that my mother was a very, very reluctant candidate.

“My mother (would always say) if I could have done something and I chose not to, I don’t know… I’m not feeling yet the sense of obligation which says that it is the only hope.”

Asked whether he was already closing his doors, Aquino said: “Maybe tomorrow or the next day something will come into mind.”

“We might be guided by my parents if it’s really needed at it’s me who should really heed the call,” he said.

“I am not going to retreat but at the same time, when I see my sisters and I think of what they have been through, I really get conflicting feelings, my personal side and my obligation to the country.”

Aquino said the calls for to seek higher office were flattering, and that he could feel the pressure of carrying the torch left by his parents.

However, he would not want to put his sisters through a national campaign when they were still mourning, he added.

Aquino said he had never imagined replacing President Arroyo.

If presented with signatures asking him to run, he would discern what would be

his obligation to the country, he added

Meanwhile, Aquino said he would not like his youngest sister, Kris Aquino-Yap to enter politics.