Noynoy downplays Pacquiao's endorsement of Villar

SURIGAO DEL NORTE , Philippines   — Liberal Party (LP) standard-bearer Sen. Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III said he was not really threatened if Filipino boxing champion Manny Pacquiao would campaign for his closest rival, Nacionalista Party (NP) bet Sen. Manuel Villar Jr.

Villar had earlier announced that Pacquiao would be his ace against Aquino’s popular sister, Kris Aquino-Yap, a known crowd drawer.

“Why would she need to be pitted against someone when she had only joined me once so far,” Aquino said.

He said Villar was a copycat and could not come up with original campaign ideas.

Aquino and his running mate, Sen. Manuel Roxas II, expressed gratitude for the warm response they were receiving everywhere they went, even without celebrities. He said the motorcade to the rally site was not planned but people lined the streets upon hearing their interview over the radio.

“I get uncomfortable when they kiss my hand and sometimes when they ask to pose for a photograph with me. Some probably do not notice anymore that their hands are already on my butt,” Aquino said laughing.

He said he was enjoying the crowd but the campaign sorties were physically punishing and television interviews, rallies and motorcades sometimes take a toll on their health.

Aquino said he was suffering from a bad cold and could not fly for a few days, while Roxas had flu and a bum stomach.

Roxas said he was thrilled to see that people went out of their homes to see them even if they came without celebrities. He emphasized that they have not spent more than their rivals but were happy that they remain frontrunners.

“That’s the surprising thing. It’s not our primary agenda to (have a motorcade) but the people came out. Who would expect that?” Aquino said, adding that they did not have to give advance notice of four days, like what other candidates would be doing.

“What else can we ask for? But of course we are after the dedication and zeal to continue until Election Day to ensure victory,” he said.

Aquino said they were touring local radio stations, cable television and other media to broaden their reach because they could not possibly meet personally with more than 50 million voters in 90 days.

“We are quite contented with what we are doing. Based on the people’s response I think they have understood our message. What else can we do? Maybe there are things that we would have to entrust to God. So far, whatever shortcomings we have are being filled by people who have faith and belief in us,” he said.

Pulling out the aces

But several NP senatorial candidates downplayed Aquino’s efforts to bring his youngest sister in the campaign.

“Well, it seems they have now loaded the ultimate campaign weapon. Looks like there’s panic on their side,” said NP guest senatorial bet Satur Ocampo of Bayan Muna.

Another senatorial candidate Mon-Mon Mitra said veteran actress Annabelle Rama and her daughter beauty queen Ruffa Gutierrez should join the NP.

“If Kris and James (Yap) have decided to join the campaign, perhaps we can request Ruffa (Gutierrez) and Tita Annabelle (Rama) to join us,” Mitra said in jest, adding that the NP enjoys the support of other celebrities such as Pacquiao, Sarah Geronimo, Dolphy and Willie Revillame.

Martin Querubin, representing his father detained Col. Ariel Querubin, said the LP move can be seen as desperate because Villar is closing in on Aquino.

Ocampo said Aquino’s move to tap his sister for the campaign only shows that the LP cannot stand on its own feet and needed additional help.

“Sen. Villar’s rating continues to move up, including the entire NP senatorial slate. If you notice almost all of our senatoriables, our rating are moving up,” Querubin said, adding that the party has still much in store for the people in the run-up to the May elections.

“I respect the decision of Ms. Aquino to join the campaign of her brother. It’s her moral obligation to do so as his sister.

“But that’s it. They have used their last special weapon. After that they have no special weapon. We still have plenty,” he said.

Ocampo said Kris has been supportive of him in the past and he hopes that their political differences would not drive a wedge between them. – Christina Mendez