Noynoy Aquino declares he is running for President

After a few buckles, Senator Noynoy Aquino categorically declared that he is running for President in 2010 at the Club Filipino this morning.

In a short speech, Noynoy related how he had come to his decision during a retreat with the Carmelite sisters. One of the stories that Noynoy told was a story about a government employee who told him that he now had a reason to hope.

It was during the interview after his speech that Noynoy gave a glimpse of what directions his Presidency will take. These weren't delivered in a manner now inimical to Chiz Escudero, but just as well, lacked substance. But to be fair, perhaps this would be better told at some other time.

What stood out among his answers was that of POLITICAL WILL as an answer to corruption, lack of education, closure to the Marcos hidden wealth issue, and others.

In a while, I'll dissect his statements and post it here.

Here's an article on this morning's event post in the Philippine Daily Inquirer:

Noynoy Aquino to run for president in 2010
Today at 8:46am

By Maila Ager
INQUIRER.net
First Posted 08:03:00 09/09/2009


MANILA, Philippines—Sen. Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III officially announced that he will run for president in 2010 on Wednesday, exactly 40 days after the death of his late mother, former President Corazon Aquino.

Aquino made the announcement of his candidacy for the presidency at about 8 a.m. at the Club Filipino in Greenhills, San Juan City, the same venue where his late mother took her oath as president in 1986.

Personalities present at the jam-packed room were Liberal Party members Senators Manuel “Mar” Roxas II, Francis Pangilinan, former Sen. Franklin Drilon, Quezon Representative Lorenzo “Erin” Tañada III, former congressmen Florencio “Butch” Abad and Nereus Acosta, singer-composer Jim Paredes, former Defense Secretary Avelino Cruz and Leah Navarro of the Black and White Movement.

Noynoy’s sisters, Ballsy, Pinky, Viel and Kris, were also there.

Aquino, who has gone on a spiritual retreat in Zamboanga City, has said he would announce his decision before the end of the month even as his supporters continued to gather the signatures that they hope would convince him to run.

Roxas, who was one of the earliest to announce his plans to seek the presidency, last week gave up his ambition and yielded to Aquino, saying the fight for 2010 was a fight for the country and went beyond personal interest.

And, while you'r waiting for my analysis, you might want to watch video of a famous talking fish -- he is also yellow.