After exactly 40 days of his mother’s death – former President Cory Aquino – Senator Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III formally announced his willingness to run for President of the Philippines on the upcoming 2010 elections. The announcement was made at the Club Filipino in Greenhills, San Juan City.

Some of those who witnessed the announcement were Manuel “Mar” Roxas, former Senator Franklin Drilon, Senator Francis Pangilinan, singer-composer Jim Paredes, former Defense Secretary Avelino Cruz and Noynoy’s sisters, Pinky, Viel, Ballsy and Kris.

Before this much awaited announcement, Noynoy has first gone to a spiritual retreat to Zamboanga City. During the retreat, supporters were even then taking steps to convince the male Aquino to run for presidency.

Prior to this, a number of presidential aspirants have already announced their support to Noynoy, yielding their political ambitions to give way to what they believe to be the country’s best hope. In his speech last week, Mar has emphasized his support for Noynoy in the event that he pushes through with the presidency, saying “To you Noy, I say, I began the campaign to sow the seeds for change and reforms. You must now be the one to grow them in the arena of leadership”.

Priest turned Governor Ed Panlilio has also expressed this thought, following Mar’s declaration. With the opposition’s seemingly united front starting to take shape, Estrada’s campaign for the presidency might also be stalled. The former President has declared that he would probably run for his vacated position if the opposition does not come together for one leader. In the event that they do, Estrada will graciously withdraw from the race.

As it stands, the administration is yet to be heard. However, with two candidates clearing the way for Noynoy Aquino, there are still a handful of presidential aspirants vying for the position.

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