Independent presidential candidate Senator Ma. Ana Consuelo “Jamby” Madrigal has inched closer to endorsing the presidential bid of Senator Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III, saying she would go for him over Nationalista Party standard-bearer Senator Manuel Villar in the presidential race.

In a live interview Tuesday night with broadcast journalist Pia Hontiveros on ANC’s Strictly Politics presidential forum, Madrigal categorically revealed her sentiment for Aquino, fanning speculations even more that she is allegedly his “attack dog” against Villar. She, however, stopped short of saying that he would support Aquino.

Talks are rife that Madrigal has joined the presidential race just to serve as an alleged attack dog of Aquino against Villar, as she has always been critical of the latter in different campaign fora and media interviews she had.

Asked whom she would like to see win the presidential race in the event that she loses, Madrigal said she would go for Aquino if the fight is actually between him and Villar.

“Definitely, I would say that the person with the most integrity who is capable to win,” she said in response to the question.

“I admire Nick [Nicanor] Perlas greatly, I also admire JC delos Reyes. I admire Bro. Eddie [Villanueva]. We have stood together. I have known Dick [Richard] Gordon in the Senate. But if it were to be between Noynoy and Villar, definitely there’s no question, I’d choose Noynoy,” the senator added.

She, however, clarified that she has not joined the presidency merely to become Aquino’s attack dog on Villar, saying her bid is in line with her objective to be of service to the country.

“I went after Villar even before I declared my presidency. I go after him whether I run for presidency or not. It’s not a quid pro quo. That’s for the country. It’s my service. I’m running because my platform is different from all the other senatorial candidates as regards economic policy. I have the more radical economic policy,” Madrigal said.