At first, UNIDO supported Senator Salvador Laurel of Batangas as its standard bearer, but business tycoon Chino Roces was not convinced that Laurel or Jovito Salonga could defeat Marcos in the polls. Roces argued that Corazon Aquino, the widow of assassinated Senator Aquino, should be the candidate for president. Roces initiated the Cory Aquino for President Movement (CAPM) to gather one million signatures in one week to urge Aquino to run as president, convincing Aquino to do so.
Initially, UNIDO backed Senator Salvador Laurel of Batangas as its leader, but business magnate Chino Roces was not convinced that Laurel or Jovito Salonga could win the election. Roces contended that Corazon Aquino, widow of assassinated Senator Aquino, should be the presidential candidate. Roces launched the Cory Aquino for President Movement (CAPM) to collect one million signatures in a week to urge Aquino to run, persuading her to do so.