ZAMBOANGA CITY - A week after he led the ecumenical prayer at President Aquino's inauguration in Manila, Zamboanga City Archbishop Romulo Valles has admitted that it was Aquino's sisters who chose him to lead the invocation program last June 30.

Valles, who went to Davao City right after the occasion, denied that he has a special connection with the new President or that he has been chosen to be Aquino's spiritual adviser.

“I would not imagine calling myself that. Influence in a political aspect, a big possible maybe. We all know that the President has always wanted to see the entire picture of the country by listening to everybody,” the archbishop said.

Valles said his presence at the presidential inauguration was a proud moment for all Zamboangueños.

He said it was in Zamboanga City when Aquino made his decision to run for president. He added that the new president consults the Carmelite sisters through Sister Agnes Guillen for spiritual guidance.

“It was not surprising at all why the Archdiocese of Zamboanga was in that program,” he said.

Valles said he had long prayed for a president that would address issues of regional transfer and the peace and order situation in Mindanao.

“I have shortly spoken of this issues especially to the people who maybe closer with the President and I am confident that the new administration has heard of all these cries from this part of the country,” he said.