MANILA, Philippines ? A presidential candidate did not only wish Senator Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III success but also admitted that his rival has a "big chance" of winning the May presidential elections.

"Senator Aquino, there is a big chance that you will be the next president, based on the surveys. I want you to succeed," JC De Los Reyes, the standard bearer of the Kapatiran Party, said in his parting remarks at the 2nd Integrity and Human rights presidential forum.

De los Reyes, Aquino, standard-bearer of the Liberal Party, and independent candidate Ma. Ana Consuelo. "Jamby" Madrigal were the only candidates present in the forum.

De los Reyes urged Aquino to do more in ensuring transparency and clean governance. He said it was not enough for a presidential candidate to commit to transparent and accountable government, as his political party must have the same commitment.

The councilor had a slightly tense exchange with Aquino, in which he urged the senator to push his party, the Liberal Party, to be more accountable and transparent.

When Aquino's turn came, he said: "Thank you to Councilor JC for, acknowledging that I have a chance of running the country."

He said human rights were not simply about the right to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression, but also the right to a decent living, and the right to have food on the table.

Speaking to reporters after the event, Aquino admitted that he was irked because of the comments and criticisms that his rival had made against his party.

"E marami naman kasing comments, masyado namang nilait ang aming partido [There were a lot of comments. He was trying to belittle our party]," he said.

"May kasabihan kasi na pag ikaw ay nanahimik habang kayo'y inaatake e parang sinang-ayunan mo nang tama ang sinabi sa iyo at hindi naman tayo makapapayag [There is a saying that if you choose to keep quiet while being attacked it?s like you agree about what?s being said about you and I cannot allow that]," he further said.