Noynoy wants Danding's backing

CABANATUAN CITY , Philippines  - Liberal Party standard-bearer Sen. Benigno Aquino III wants an endorsement from businessman Eduardo “Danding” Cojuangco, a maternal uncle and financier-founder of another political party, the Nationalist People’s Coalition.

He said an endorsement from Cojuangco would be crucial to his or to anyone’s candidacy.

“Of course it’s crucial, particularly since the LP (Liberal Party) and the NPC are not in conflict,” he said.

Aquino and his running mate, Sen. Manuel “Mar” Roxas, visited a park here named after his martyred father, former senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr.

Aquino told newsmen that the LP’s senatorial slate might include candidates from other political parties.

Aquino said he and Roxas would file their respective certificates of candidacies on Nov. 28.

Aquino and his supporters held a motorcade from Talavera town to this city where he was welcomed by Mayor Alvin Vergara.

Aquino and Roxas also joined a multi-sectoral dialogue with representatives from the youth, education, senior citizens, indigenous, religious and business sectors.

Aquino told the forum that said he is not in favor of the one-child policy being implemented in other countries.

Roxas, for his part, clarified that they are not pushing for abortion as a means of family planning but of responsible parenthood and informed choice among couples.

Both Aquino and Roxas promised to form a formidable Cabinet to draw up a development road map for the country if they emerge victorious in 2010.

Aquino said Roxas would get the Cabinet post of his choice if elected vice president under an Aquino presidency.