SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga , Philippines – Gov. Eddie Panlilio is willing to back out of next year’s presidential race in favor of Sen. Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III.
In a telephone interview, the priest-turned-governor said Aquino is the only one who can unite reform-minded candidates.
“I am sticking to my original position that the presidential candidate must unify all aspiring reform candidates,” he said.
“If Noynoy Aquino can unify opposition presidential aspirants and reform candidates, why don’t we support him instead? I can transcend whatever prospects there had been before me,” he added.
Panlilio said he did not expect Aquino to decide immediately on whether he would run for president next year.
“Catholic tradition prescribes 40 days of mourning, so I don’t expect Senator Noynoy to decide on this matter, but I suppose he will later on, even in the last minute,” he said.
Panlilio said he does not believe that Bro. Eddie of the Jesus Is Lord Movement, Isabela Gov. Grace Padaca or any other reform-minded candidate can unify the opposition. – Ding Cervantes