MANILA, Philippines?Welcoming the declaration of Senator Benigno ?Noynoy? Aquino III to run for the presidency in 2010, Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay said he was dropping his presidential bid and was willing to broker talks between the senator and former president Joseph Estrada on a coalition candidate.

Binay, president of the United Opposition (UNO) and a close friend of the Aquino family, said Aquino?s decision to run signaled that opposition parties should start unity talks.

"There is all the more reason to pursue negotiations among the parties identified with the opposition for a possible coalition. As president of UNO, this is an obligation I am taking on," Binay said in a statement.

Binay said his own decision to no longer to run for president would make him an "honest broker."

"I have always said that if my bid for the presidency will be an obstacle in achieving unity within the opposition, I am willing to give way," he said.