Noynoy unfazed by Church's snub

CEBU, Philippines - Liberal Party presidential candidate Sen. Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino said he is not bothered by the announcement of the Catholic Church that he will not be supported in his candidacy due to his stand on the Reproductive Health Bill.

He said this during the induction of members of various volunteer groups rooting for his and his running mate Sen. Manuel “Mar” Roxas’ candidacy at the Sacred Heart Center yesterday.

Among those who were inducted was the group of lawyer Democrito Barcenas, chairman of the Noynoy Aquino for President Movement-Cebu Chapter and other lawyers.

Cebu City councilor Gerardo Carillo of Bando Osmeña-Pundok Kauswagan, Provincial Board member Victor Maambong and some Cebu City officials also joined the event.

Noynoy also clarified that he is not the main author of the said bill but he is just expressing his views and is open to the views of all sectors on the said matter.

Noynoy, however, said the country is currently facing overpopulation and he believes that there is really a need for the government to advocate responsible parenthood.

“Palagay ko meron tayong problema sa populasyon, palagay ko po meron akong responsibilidad na tumulong sa bawat batang lumalabas sa mundo na dapat magkaroon nang magandang buhay, ang gobyerno ay may obligasyon,” the presidentiable said.

Among those who pledged support for Aquino and Roxas candidacy were the Takna, Federation of Visayas Housing Action Group Inc., Change Politics Movement, Friends of Noynoy and Mar, Noynoy Aquino for President Movement and Akbayan, among others. Bukidnon Rep. Nereus Acosta, one of the senatorial candidates under LP said that anywhere they go their group is always welcomed by the people.

Akbayan Partylist Rep. Liza Hontiveros Baraquel, another senatoriable under LP, said that this is now the second chance for the Filipino people to make some reforms in our country which were initiated by former president Corazon Aquino, the mother of Noynoy.

“Tayo ho ba ay magtitiis nalang dahil ayaw nating labanan ang alam nating mali?” was the challenged posed by Noynoy during the said event.

Butch Abad, an official of LP said their party has not yet communicated with Cebu’s solid opposition bloc, Panaghiusa, on the possibility of an alliance, but they are open to those possibilities.

Abad said, Bogo Mayor Celestino “Junie” Martinez, the vice chairman of Panghiusa, was one of the allies in the past.

Noynoy also announced that a Cebuano will be joining his slate in the upcoming 2010 elections.

He said this during a courtesy call to Mandaue city Mayor Jonas Cortes yesterday.

But Aquino said it is still too early for him to announce who as they are still negotiating. — Mitchelle L. Palaubsanon, Edwin Ian Melecio and Flor Z. Perolina /BRP   (FREEMAN NEWS)