MANILA, Philippines?The Liberal Party (LP) stands to benefit from Senator Francis "Chiz" Escudero?s decision not to join the May 2010 presidential elections, its spokesman said Tuesday.

Quezon Representative Lorenzo "Erin" Tañada III, LP spokesman, said the support of the youth for their standard-bearer, Senator Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III, would be strengthened with Escudero now out of the race.

"We hope Senator Chiz becomes an active participant in the elections and help the electorate choose the right candidates," he said.

"With the withdrawal of Chiz, Noy's support from the youth strengthens and a majority if not most of those who support Chiz may now switch their support to Noy," Tañada said in a text message when asked how LP would gain from Escudero's withdrawal.

He said based on an analysis of survey results, both Aquino and Escudero draw their strength from the same constituency, which is the youth.

Talks are circulating that Escudero is being wooed to support Aquino's bid instead, who will go up against Senator Manuel Villar of the Nacionalista Party and Gilbert Teodoro of the administration's Lakas-Kampi-CMD.

Tañada confirmed that the two have met three weeks ago right after Escudero announced his resignation from the Nationalist People's Coalition (NPC).

But he said both senators did not discuss Escudero's possible support for Aquino. He said the two have been friends since their days in the House of Representatives.

"The withdrawal of Senator Chiz shows that he can set aside his presidential ambition for the country's interest," Tañada said.

He added that the move showed that Escudero "wants to see genuine change to happen and that he wants to see the opposition win in the 2010 elections."