Noynoy, Mar hold press conference in Tarlac funeral parlor

TARLAC CITY, Tarlac - It was a most unusual place to hold a press conference. President-apparent Sen. Benigno Simeon "Noynoy" Aquino III and running mate Sen. Manuel Roxas II held a press conference at a funeral parlor here, after condoling with a key ally here Friday. Aquino and Roxas went to the Enriquez Funeral Homes where they condoled with the family of retired Col. Arnulfo Obillos, who was killed in a shooting incident in Cavite province last Monday. Obillos was the chief of staff of Cavite Rep. Joseph Emilio Abaya, a member of Aquino and Roxas' Liberal Party. During the press conference, Aquino and Roxas joined Rep. Abaya in calling for justice for Obillos, who Aquino described as a good man. Before the press conference, security aides repeatedly inspected a chapel inside the funeral parlor that was to be used as the venue. Some journalists covering the press conference were surprised about the venue, saying they were not used to the "ambience" of the place. A long table was placed at the front of the chapel where Aquino, Roxas and Abaya answered questions from reporters. On the other hand, mourners condoling in other chapels entered the chapel where the press conference was being held, after they learned Aquino was there. Many asked to shake Aquino's hand or pose for a photo. - LBG, RJAB Jr., GMANews.TV