Noynoy's ability to unite opposition questioned

MANILA - Some presidential aspirants have dropped their bids to support the candidacy of Sen. Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III and pave the way for the opposition to unite in time for the 2010 elections. However, some political parties doubt if the senator can achieve this goal.

According to the Bangon Bagong Pilipinas movement of Brother Eddie Villanueva, another presidential aspirant, they do not see Aquino as the leader who can bring the opposition together.

Atty. Ted Pascua said that the idea of a united opposition came from a “desperate” Liberal Party – Aquino’s home party - because they are ‘already divided’.

Meanwhile, the Nationalist People's Coalition (NPC) is set to announce on September 18 whether senators Loren Legarda or Francis Escudero will be its standard-bearer for the 2010 polls.

The NPC said there's no turning back, even if Aquino will join the presidential race.

Rizal 1st district Rep. Michael John "Jack" Duavit of the NPC said they will forge on, saying their party would like to give an “alternative.”

The Nacionalista Party of Sen. Manuel Villar also believes there is no need to unite the opposition because the administration has no formidable candidate.

The parties added that as of now, only National Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. has the support of members of the administration. Forty-nine governors already endorsed Teodoro as the standard-bearer of the ruling Lakas-Kampi-CMD party.

Meanwhile, Teodoro confirmed he had a meeting with Aquino in Tarlac province Saturday.

Aquino and Teodoro were former colleagues in the House of Representatives representing their respective district in Tarlac. Teodoro was the former representative of the 1st district while Aquino was formerly 2nd district representative of the province.

Both also are members of the Cojuangco clan.

Teodoro said he and Noynoy agreed that nothing will come between them as cousins and good friends. With a report from Apples Jalandoni, ABS-CBN News