Ping goes for Noynoy; urges Erap to drop presidential bid

Former President Joseph Estrada should drop his presidential bid if he really wants to unify the political opposition, Senator Panfilo Lacson said on Thursday.

In the same breath, Lacson hinted support for the possible presidential candidacy of Sen. Benigo "Noynoy" Aquino III, who has chosen to undergo a spiritual retreat first before finally deciding on his plans for the 2010 polls.

"If integrity is one of the standards, Senator Noynoy would definitely pass my book," Lacson told reporters.

He added that he doesn't believe the only son of the late former President Corazon Aquino and slain Senator Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino Jr. would abuse his power to enrich himself once he is in office.

"Si Noynoy, isa lang masasabi ko, at least sigurado tayo di mangungurakot. Kung si Noynoy nga at siya palarin medyo more or less kampante tayo [na] di siya magnanakaw (With Noynoy, at least we are sure that he is not corrupt)," he said.

Lacson made the statement even as Aquino has yet to announce his political plans for next year. Aquino on Wednesday said he would go on a "retreat" first before announcing if he would accept calls for him to run for president.

Lacson however clarified that he is not categorically saying that Aquino has his all-out support. Asked on who would he support next year, he said, "Sa ngayon wala pa. Di natin alam kung sino magfa-file (No one, so far. I don't have an idea who will file for candidacy)."

Lacson meanwhile said Estrada should abandon his renewed quest for the presidency and instead initiate the unification move among the ranks of the opposition.

"Ang influence niya di matatawaran. Kung siya mismo magsalita na magsama-sama tayo, aatras ako, mangunguna ako, kung puwedeng sundan ninyo ako, palagay ko mas lalakas ang [na] panawagan magkakaroon ng isang opposition candidate," he said.

(His influence is unquestionable. If he will lead the unification move, then the opposition is likely to end up with just one standard bearer next year.)

He added that as the leader of the opposition, it is only prudent for Estrada to take charge in unifying the group.

source: inquirer.net