MANILA - The Liberal Party's (LP) presidential aspirant Senator Manuel 'Mar' Roxas II was expected to announce his withdrawal from the presidential race at a press conference at the Club Filipino in Greenhills, San Juan on Tuesday. 

LP officials declined to confirm the report, but LP leader and former Congressman Nereus Acosta told ABS-CBN's Pia Hontiveros prior to the 6:30 pm press conference that the LP is heeding the clamor of the people.

Acosta said Roxas will be explaining the rationale for the changes in the LP's political plans. He said national interest, rather than personal interest, became the basis for Roxas' decision.

Various groups and at least one presidential aspirant have expressed support for Senator Benigno 'Noynoy' Aquino Jr., son of the late President Corazon Aquino, to run for the presidency and continue the democratic legacy of his father and mother.

Sonia Roco, wife of the late Senator Raul Roco, said on Monday that the Aksyon Demokratiko would support Noynoy for the presidency. Pampanga Gov. Ed Panlilio said he would withdraw from the race to support Noynoy's presidential bid.

Rep. Rufino Biazon, another LP leader, told ABS-CBN News Channel (ANC) that Roxas' announcement will be a shot in the arm not just for the LP but also for the whole reform-oriented movement.

The two LP leaders said the announcement would show that the Filipino people still believe in change and that they still have a source of inspiration.

Acosta said a survey is underway to assess the impact of the changes in the LP's aspirant for the presidency.

Calls for Noynoy to run for the presidency grew stronger following the death of Mrs. Aquino due to colon cancer last August 1. Her funeral procession on August 5 reinvigorated democratic fervor and recalled the people power of 1986.