For the Love of Country: Sen. Mar Roxas Gives Way to Noynoy

Photo credits: www.marroxas.com

"Country above self. Bayan Bago Sarili."

These were the opening words of Senator Mar Roxas, who, at late afternoon in Manila, announced his withdrawal for the Philippine’s presidential race in 2010 to make way for Senator Noynoy Aquino.

Senator Aquino apparently heeded the clamour of a lot of people to run for president in next year’s Philippine election, which started since the passing of President Cory Aquino, exactly a month ago today, that revived the nationalism among many Filipinos. He has yet to formally announce his bid for presidency.

Among the supposed presidentiables for 2010, it is more likely that I will vote for Senator Roxas (that’s despite his boring TV ads and trying hard acting! Lolz). I believe that he is devoid of greed, has the most genuine intention to uplift the lives of the Filipino people and can govern the Philippines in his utmost capacity. But, of course, being an Aquino supporter, I welcome with so much warmth the unannounced candidacy of Senator Aquino.

Senator Mar’s decision was applauded by many. He deserves the admiration because he set aside his ambition for the love of country. He can always pursue his ambition at a later time. I will support him then (even much more!)

Here's the full manuscript of the speech of Senator Mar Roxas at the Club Filipino in Greenhills, San Juan.

Source: abs-cbnNEWS.com

"Country above self. Bayan bago ang sarili.

Iyan ang habilin ng aking lolo, President Manuel Roxas.

Our nation is in trouble. Leadership is bankrupt. Institutions are in disarray. People are hungry.

Noynoy Aquino and I share the same outrage over the mess we are all in, the same way we share the solution-clean, honest, selfless public service.

Marami at matindi ang mga problema ng bansa. Kailangan nating ayusin. Matindi ang kalaban. We need a determined force for good far stronger than the festering evil around us.

We need to fight just as our own fathers fought dictatorship, and just as both died believing that good will conquer evil.

Noynoy and I want to make a difference, but we also know that we need to unite to achieve what we want.

I am the President of the Liberal Party.

It is within my power to preside over a potentially divisive process or to make the party a bridge for the forces of change. I choose to lead unity, not division. Bilang pinuno ng aking Partido, magdedesisyon ako.

Mahal ko ang Partido Liberal. My grandfather founded it. My father led it during the most difficult times of Martial Law. Sa harap ng peligro, sa kabila ng napakaraming tukso-hindi siya sumuko.

He inspired me-to stay the course, to fight the good fight, to pass the test of true character. To believe.

Over the weekend, Noynoy and I had many long conversations... Masinsinang usapan. We agreed: Let us forget about ourselves for a moment. This is not about us, this is about our people and our country. This is about our common dream. The dream of our parents.

But let us not remain a country of dreamers. Tama na ang pangarap. Gawin na natin, ngayon.

Today, I am announcing my support for the candidacy of Noynoy Aquino for President in 2010.

Noy has made it clear to me that he wants to carry the torch of leadership.

The passing of our beloved former President Aquino has reawakened a passion among us. I acknowledge this as fuel to bring us to the realization of our dream: Good will triumph over evil.

Ito na ang pinakamabigat na desisyon sa buhay ko. Maniwala man kayo o hindi, ginagawa ko ito para sa bayan, para sa inyo. I do this for unity in support of change. And if that means that somebody must make the sacrifice, it must be me. Ako na.

To you Noy, I say: I began the campaign to sow the seeds para sa pagbabago at reporma. You must now be the one to grow them in the arena of leadership.

Hindi kami maghihiwalay ni Noy. I will stand with him.

At sa aking mga kababayan, sa mga nagtiwala sa akin: Mahal na mahal ko po kayo. Mahal na mahal ko po ang ating bayan. Hindi rin tayo maghihiwalay. Itutuloy natin ang pagbabago sa ating bansa. Itutuloy natin ang laban para sa reporma!

Kay Noy, at sa aking mga kababayan: Country above self! Bayan bago sarili!

Hindi ko kayo pababayaan! Lalaban tayo!"