MANILA, Philippines--Businessman Eduardo "Danding" Cojuangco was a no show at Senator Loren Legarda's launching of an outreach program in Manila Friday where she was expected to make a statement about her political plans in 2010.

Cojuangco is the founder of the Nationalist People's Coalition (NPC) in which Legarda is a member.

Cojuangco's son, Pangasinan Representative Mark Cojuangco, said his father need not have to attend the event, saying "he has already done his part for the society."

"Manonood na lang sya (He?ll just be watching). He's now a senior statesman," the young Cojuangco said.

But asked if his father would not also show up at Senator Francis "Chiz" Escudero's possible presidential proclamation, the congressman said he did not know.

Aside from the congressman, also present at the event were, among others, former presidential adviser on peace process Avelino Razon, former Nueve Ecija Gov. Tommy Joson, Antique Gov. Sally Perez, and opposition lawyer Sixto Brillantes.