MANILA - The influential Osmeña family of Cebu will reportedly support the Liberal Party tandem of Senators Benigno 'Noynoy' Aquino III and Mar Roxas II in next year's elections.

In a statement issued on Thursday by Roxas' office, Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña was quoted as having said that Bando Osmeña-Pundok Kauswagan (BOPK), a regional party run by the Osmeñas, will back Aquino for president and Roxas for vice-president.

"BOPK unamimously supports Noynoy and Mar," Mayor Osmeña was quoted as having said.

BOPK made the announcement in its recent meeting at Cebu's Grand Convention Center. The BOPK will coalesce with the LP in the May 2010 elections, Roxas's office said.

Aquino and Roxas thanked the BOPK for its endorsement.

"Nagpapasalamat kami sa pamilya Osmeña para sa kanilang suporta sa kandidatura namin ni Noynoy. Nakapagpapataba ng puso ang tiwalang ibinigay nila Tommy at Sonny sa amin," Roxas said, adding that even former Sen. John Henry Osmeña will support them.
 
John Osmeña ran and won under the late former President Cory Aquino's senatorial ticket in 1987. He later became a supporter of deposed President Joseph Estrada, who formally announced his presidential bid on Wednesday in Tondo, Manila. 

Roxas added: "Hindi namin babalewalain ang tiwalang ipinagkaloob sa amin ng mga Osmeña. Kasama kami ng mga Cebuano sa pagtutulak ng pagbabago sa ating bansa. Hindi namin sila pababayaan. Lalaban tayo!"

Aside from the Osmeña family, Sen. Aquino has also gotten the support of Alberto Romulo, even if he is currently with the administration serving as its foreign affairs secretary. (Read: Romulo backs Noynoy)