Late this day, Senator Mar Roxas has made an announcement that caught some by surprise. Senator Roxas has announced that he is no longer running for President in next year’s elections. This only means one thing; his decision to put his ambition on the shelf gives way to Senator Noynoy Aquino to become the party’s bet should he decide that he will seek the highest post in the land. And this development means good news to the many sectors asking for the son of the former president to run. And this move made by Senator Roxas opens up the possibility of the two Liberal factions coming together- the first one is led by Roxas as its President and the other faction is led by Secretary Atienza of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources. For the past few weeks now, the call for Roxas to step aside and Aquino to assume the leadership role has been growing. Secretary Atienza called for Roxas and the Liberal Party to call a convention which can serve as the vehicle to select the strong candidate for the party. Senator Francis Pangilinan on his part also called on Roxas to sacrifice and give way to Noynoy Aquino. And the announcement of Mar Roxas to give way also comes after a party founded by the late Senator Roco announced its support for the candidacy of Noynoy Aquino.

In a statement that was read 6:30 pm today, Senator Mar Roxas announced his support for the candidacy of Noynoy Aquino. He calls this as the most difficult decision that he has to make in his entire life, and added that he did it for his country. Though Roxas has not yet officially declared his candidacy, some of his party mates have already endorsed his candidacy and his infomercials showing on air suggests that he is indeed aspiring for a much higher position. The announcement made by Senator Roxas was made at the historic Club Filipino and attended by party members and immediate family members. Senator Noynoy Aquino is in attendance, and broadcaster Korina Sanchez who is engaged to Senator Roxas was also present and was seen crying as Senator Roxas made his speech. A number of high ranking LP officials were also present.

Here’s a four part video of Harry Tambuatco’s interview on Tony Abaya about Ronnie Puno, and the trapo and non-trapo presidential contenders of the upcoming 2010 Philippine elections.