MANILA, Philippines—Sen. Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III’s decision to run for president in 2010 boosted the hopes of his supporters that opposition and business groups would unite behind his candidacy—but deposed President Joseph Estrada immediately dashed their dream.

“It doesn’t change a thing. My plan is unchanged,” Estrada, who has said he might make a second run for president, told Agence France-Presse shortly after Aquino’s declaration. “Let us let the people decide, not the elites and the bourgeois … All of them are from the rich set.”

A political analyst, University of the Philippines political science professor Clarita Carlos, said it was too premature to conclude that Noynoy could bring together personalities and parties to support his campaign in the “afterglow” of the death of his mother, former President Corazon “Cory” Aquino.

Carlos said Noynoy had to deal with the “realpolitik forces in the country” and many “imponderables,” such as political realignments and campaign funds.

“Everything is in the realm of conjectures. The election is 10 months away. A lot of things can happen,” she said by phone, asking: “Will the afterglow be sustained and translated into votes? Will it galvanize the collective consciousness to support this person?”

Liberal Party chair Franklin Drilon was hopeful the “Cory magic” would carry her son to victory in May next year.

“It’s Cory magic, that’s the only explanation I can think of, you can see the genuine affection of the people (for Noynoy),” Drilon said in a phone interview.

He voiced confidence that most of his peers in the former Aquino Cabinet, as well as other “Coryistas,” would come out and back Noynoy’s presidential bid.

Drilon said that among prominent Coryistas likely to cross party lines were Quezon City Mayor Feliciano Belmonte of Lakas-Kampi-CMD and Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay of the United Opposition.

Reunion of Cory Cabinet

Former members of the Aquino Cabinet were scheduled to hold a reunion Wednesday night to discuss plans on what they could do to propel another Aquino to Malacañang.

Mayor Binay announced he was dropping his own presidential bid and said he was willing to broker talks between the senator and Estrada on a coalition candidate.

Binay, president of the United Opposition (UNO) and a close friend of the Aquino family, said Noynoy’s decision was a signal for opposition parties to 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.

Another possible presidential aspirant, Sen. Loren Legarda, said she was open to unity talks with fellow opposition candidates.

No chance

But like his father, Sen. Jinggoy Estrada was skeptical the opposition would unite behind one candidate.

“The political landscape has completely changed with Sen. Aquino throwing his hat ... It will be very, very interesting,” Jinggoy said. Then he added: “I don’t think there’s any chance to unite.”

Former Ambassador Ernesto Maceda also expressed doubts the anti-administration forces would be able to field a common candidate and a unified slate.

“If you’re thinking people will unite behind Noynoy Aquino … that is only possible if he rates No. 1 in the next survey or higher than (front-runner) Manny Villar,” Maceda said, and added: “(That) I doubt,” he added.

Maceda said: “Let’s no longer insist on unity. That’s already far-fetched.”

Makati Business Club chair Ramon del Rosario Jr., a true-blue Coryista, said: “I am confident many from the business community will support Noynoy, particularly those who desire good governance, transparency, morality in government and a sincere effort to fight corruption.”

“We expect Noynoy to lead by example in fighting corruption, much like President Cory did,” he added.

Del Rosario said: “Many of us are sick and tired of runaway corruption and the lack of respect for the law.”

Del Rosario and Philamlife chair Jose Cuisia Jr. (the Central Bank governor under Aquino) were present at the Club Filipino when Noynoy declared his candidacy.

Bro. Eddie bent on running

Evangelist Eduardo “Bro. Eddie” Villanueva said Noynoy’s decision to run would “strengthen democracy,” but Villanueva added his own decision to run again was not affected by the latest development.

“I respect his decision. That will be good for the country because our people will have a wider choice. It will strengthen democracy as long as elections are honest and credible,” said Villanueva, who is expected to again be the candidate of Bangon Pilipinas, a coalition party.

“But Bangon Pilipinas is not borne out of traditional politics. It was borne out of genuine concern and compassion for the country, which is unshakable in the face of the moody bandwagon fever in politics ... So we’re not affected by the political fever, with due respect to all,” Villanueva said.

Villanueva, who finished fifth in a five-way presidential race in 2004, also said he did not subscribe to the idea of having a single opposition candidate in 2010.

Bishops noncommittal

Since the Catholic Church does not officially endorse candidates, some bishops interviewed on Radio Veritas gave guarded comments.

Caloocan Bishop Deogracias Iñiguez said like all candidates, Aquino should be measured by the electorate according to his “uprightness, competence and platform of government.”

“So we have to study whoever enters the arena. We have to look at the platform of government. It doesn’t follow that because he is an Aquino we should vote for him,” Iñiguez said.

Cubao Bishop Honesto Ongtioco and Pampanga Auxiliary Bishop Ambo David said they were not in a position to comment on Noynoy’s readiness to lead the country.

“I believe we can never get a perfect candidate,” Ongtioco said. “What’s important for Senator Aquino is to get a good circle of advisers. His openness is necessary but firmness should be exercised.”

“I am not in a position to say if he is ready,” David said. “But I feel that we are seeing at work God’s plan for our country which is greater than the personal plans of Noynoy and Mar Roxas for themselves.”

“He has integrity. He should be firm and make a difference,” Borongan Bishop Crispin Varquez said. With reports from TJ Burgonio, Christine O. Avendaño, Dona Pazzibugan and Allison W. Lopez in Manila; Juan Escandor Jr., Maricar P. Cinco, Delfin T. Mallari Jr., Joanna Los Baños and Jonas Cabiles Soltes, Inquirer Southern Luzon; and Agence France-Presse