MANILA - Senator Manuel "Mar" Roxas II drew praise for his announcement on Tuesday withdrawing from the presidential race in 2010, with many saying he showed integrity and selflessness in his decision.

"The decison of Sen. Mar Roxas to give way to Sen. Noynoy Aquino is a display of gallantry and patriotism, a sacrifice brought about by his genuine concern for the Republic over and above his own interest," Bukidnon Rep. Ruffy Biazon said in a text message to ABS--CBN News.

"His act is consistent with his battlecry of 'hindi ko kayo pababayaan,' showing that indeed, he has taken care of the welfare of the Filipinos by giving in to their clamor," Biazon added.

"The Black and White Movement salutes Senator Roxas for his statesmanship and selflessness. Senator Mar has demonstrated tonight that his ultimate objective is to be a servant leader by being prepared to follow even at the cost of his campaign to lead the country," the Black and White Movement said in a statement.

"This is a reminder for all of us that when country comes first, all other decisions and considerations easily follow," the statement added.

Meanwhile, partymate Senator Francis Pangilinan lauded Roxas's decision, saying he displayed "supreme statesmanship" with his move.

"Senator Roxas displayed supreme statesmanship with this move. We laud his recognition of the country's need for reform over individual ambition. This display of sacrifice is what our countrymen yearn for," Pangilinan said in a statement.

Pangilinan also reiterated that he is ready to sacrifice his own plans for the sake of the country.

"Gaya ng nasabi natin, pati ako handang isakripisyo ang aking mga plano para sa bayan. Mas importante ang kinabukasan ng Pilipinas kaysa sariling interes. Sa pagpapakita ng sakripisyo ni senador Roxas, naging huwaran ito ng paglilingkod at pag-aalay ng sarili para sa ating mga kababayan," he added.

Pangilinan added that Roxas' announcement will help unite a reform-oriented front towards genuine political reform.

Other parties weigh in

Akbayan Rep. Risa Hontiveros-Baraquel said their group also lauds Roxas's decision, saying the move shows "political maturity."

"Hinahangaan namin ang desisyon ni Sen Mar Roxas ang pagbigay daan niya kay Sen Noynoy Aquino ay nagpapakita ng political maturity, pagrespeto sa kagustuhan ng nakakarami, at pagmamahal sa bayan," the statement read.

"We know that this has been a hard decision but it is a brave one - to withdraw from a presidential race in favor of party unity is a grand and noble act," Baraquel added.

Meanwhile, the Nacionalista Party congratulated Roxas for showing "character and integrity" for giving way to Aquino.

"The Nacionalista Party welcomes the entry of Senator Noynoy Aquino into the presidential race. In the same light, we congratulate Mar Roxas for showing character and integrity in accepting the challenge of giving way to Senator Aquino," a statement from the NP said.

"We, the Nacionalista understand that this is an internal party matter best left to the members of the Liberal Party whom they see fit to run for President. The NP is currently in the middle of its own preparations for the challenges that lay ahead in 2010," the NP statement added.

United Opposition (UNO) president and Makati City Mayor Jejomar Binay, meanwhile, said the LP president has shown "admirable humility" with the decision.

"I have nothing but the highest respect for Sen. Mar Roxas. He has sacrificed his personal goals for a higher interest. I am sure this has been a difficult decision for him, but he has shown admirable humility," Binay said in a statement.

"I remain optimistic that the opposition will be able to rally behind a common presidential candidate for the 2010 election. With the withdrawal of Sen. Roxas, there is all the more reason for opposition parties and personalities to sit down and address the issue," he added.

However, Malacañang said this decision by Roxas could "complicate" matters for the opposition.

"It's a very interesting development. It wil definitely complicate matters further for the opposition more than it will affect the administration coalition," a text message from Presidential Adviser Gabby Claudio said.