KIKO TO NOYNOY, MAR: LET US ALL SACRIFICE FOR GENUINE POLITICAL CHANGE

Senator Francis "Kiko" Pangilinan calls on Senator Noynoy Aquino to set aside his own reservations regarding running for higher office and take on the challenge to seek the presidency.

"He has expressed his reluctance because of the reservations of his family. We can only imagine the pain and hardships their family has suffered all these years, but we appeal to him and the family to continue the legacy of sacrifice of their parents by setting aside their reservations and take on the challenge for genuine political change."

Pangilinan also urges Senator Mar Roxas to sacrifice as well by giving up his presidential bid in favor of Senator Aquino.

"I know Mar and his family have given up so much as well in preparations for 2010, and this too will be a huge sacrifice on their part. But nothing is more important than sacrificing or our country and for the change we desperately need as a nation."

"I, too, am more than willing to sacrifice by giving up my VP bid if this is necessary to unite and rally all forces committed to genuine change behind Aquino's presidential bid."

Pangilinan calls on the Liberal Party to take on the challenge of providing the country a viable standard bearer that will lead the coalition for change and other forces of reform.

"Magkaisa tayo at mag-sakripisyo upang mabigyan ng alternatibo ang mamamayan sa 2010. Hindi ito laban ng LP lang. Laban ito ng puwersa ng pagbabago. Hikayatin ng Partido Liberal ang lahat sa reform block na itaguyod ang kandidatura ni Noynoy, at ipagpatuloy ang laban at mga nasimulan ni Ninoy at Cory."

"We do not have the luxury of time. The deadline for filing is fast approaching. We cannot waste a minute longer in political intramurals. We need to build a 'people's army' that will wage an electoral revolt against 'trapo' politics. The reformist forces must unite at the earliest possible time. Only when the nation's leaders show a willingness to sacrifice will the people in their millions be inspired to do their share for the cause of genuine change."