PMA Class 1980 'adopts' Noynoy's sisters

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Class of 1980 is adopting the sisters of Liberal Party (LP) standard-bearer Sen. Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III as honorary members.

The “Mapitagan Class” is set to formally induct and adopt today Aurora Corazon “Pinky” Abellada at the Baguio Country Club in Baguio City.

The eldest, Ma. Elena “Ballsy” Cruz, was already adopted on Feb. 15 while the younger ones - Victoria Eliza “Viel” Dee and actress-television host Kristina Bernadette “Kris” Aquino-Yap - will follow suit after the EDSA 1 celebration on Feb. 25.

Members of PMA Class ’80 served during the administration of their mother, former President Corazon Aquino. She was the chief executive from 1986 to 1992 and hailed as an icon of democracy for restoring freedom in the country after more than 20 years of Marcos dictatorship.

On the other hand, the party’s senatorial candidates launched yesterday a bus for the LP presidential bet named “Landas ng Pagbabago (Path to Change).”

Religious groups’ support not yet assured

Aquino is still not assured of the support of the Iglesia ni Cristo because his main rival, Nacionalista Party (NP) standard-bearer Sen. Manny Villar, is also courting the INC.

Villar said in a recent interview that he is seeking the support of the INC despite the virtual endorsement by the Catholic charismatic group El Shaddai of his bid and that of his running mate, Sen. Loren Legarda.

“In the end, we leave it to the INC to discern who they will support,” Villar said. He said that almost all candidates seek the support of the INC, which is known for block voting.

As this developed, NP senatorial bet Susan Ople said she is convinced that the LP is in a state of panic after Aquino announced he will have private meetings with El Shaddai leader Mike Velarde and pastor Apollo Quiboloy of the Davao-based Kingdom of Jesus Christ.

“I have it on good authority that there were two previous attempts by people close to Senator Noynoy to arrange such a visit with (Velarde), only for him to back out at the last moment. Now that his ratings are on the decline, it seems that Senator Aquino is once more enlightened about the need to touch base with El Shaddai’s leaders and followers,” Ople said.

Ople, whose father was the late senator Blas Ople, was the lone senatorial candidate present during an open prayer rally of the El Shaddai in Hong Kong last Sunday.

Referring to Ople, Velarde said, “I am a friend of her father. I was the one who asked her to run. I will vote for her.”

Also present at the prayer rally were Villar and Legarda, who Velarde described as long-time friends. The two candidates, along with Villar’s wife Las Piñas Rep. Cynthia Villar, were given a chance to address thousands of El Shaddai members.

During the prayer rally, Velarde also made a strong pitch for the Buhay party-list and its pro-life agenda.

Ople said it would have been better if Aquino had simply and quietly paid a visit to Velarde. “That way it would really be an act of modesty and sincerity on his part. (Velarde) always has his door open to those who want to seek his advice,” she said.

“I am not doubting Sen. Aquino’s sincerity, but the question remains, ‘Why only now?’ Clearly, they have finally seen the light - that one cannot win the presidency through sentiments alone,” Ople said.

Ople said when Aquino’s ratings were sky-high, his camp was very choosy about which persons they talked to and dealt with.