No VP yet for Lakas

ADMINISTRATION PARTY Lakas-Kabalikat ng Malayang Pilipino-Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas-Kampi-CMD) is still on the lookout for a running mate for presumptive standard-bearer Defense Secretary Gilbert C. Teodoro, Jr. after two prospective bets turned down the offer after yesterday’s national executive committee meeting.

Senators Juan Miguel F. Zubiri, party vice-president for Mindanao, and Ramon "Bong" B. Revilla, Jr. preferred to stay in their current elective positions. Mr. Zubiri, elected in May 2007, has a six-year term that ends in June 2013, while Mr. Revilla, a first-term senator, is up for reelection next year.

"During the meeting, there were prominent names that were brought out. But the members of the national executive committee spontaneously came up with the observation that perhaps the party’s top priority should be given to somebody who belongs to the national executive committee," Presidential Political Adviser and Lakas secretary-general Gabriel S. Claudio told Palace reporters after the meeting.

Hailing from Bukidnon, Mr. Zubiri’s name was identified in the meeting to represent Mindanao, while Mr. Revilla has long been mentioned as among the popular choices.

But this early, the two colleagues have declined the possible endorsement, with the party racing to complete its slate in time for its national convention to proclaim candidates on Nov. 19 and the filing of certificates of candidacy on Nov. 20-Dec. 1.

"After a series of consultation with my family and supporters, I believe that I would be more effective to serve the Filipinos if I would remain as senator," Mr. Revilla told reporters yesterday. "I am humbly requesting my party-mates not to consider me [as running mate] of Secretary Teodoro." Mr. Revilla will seek reelection under Lakas.

In a separate interview, Mr. Zubiri told Senate reporters yesterday after attending the Palace meeting: "I cannot abandon my post at this point. I still have a lot of work to do [in the Senate]."

He said he was given until today to "change my mind," but "I don’t see any change in my decision.

The search for Mr. Teodoro’s running mate has gained prominence after it appeared that a tandem with Senator Loren B. Legarda of the Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC) is no longer feasible. Ms. Legarda is reportedly being groomed as the running mate of Senator Manuel B. Villar, Jr. in a Nacionalista Party-Nationalist People’s Coalition tie-up following the resignation of Senator Francis Joseph "Chiz" G. Escudero from the party, which is led by San Miguel Corp. Chairman Eduardo "Danding" M. Cojuangco, Jr.

In the Palace briefing, Executive Secretary Eduardo R. Ermita, who also sits as Lakas president, said: "We have a deep bench to choose from," without disclosing those that are still being considered as vice-presidential candidate.

He said the party is looking at other prospects. "We have not yet made final arrangements. We have not yet shut the door to anybody."

Others reject offer

Meanwhile, Senator Richard J. Gordon disclosed yesterday he was offered the No. 2 by Lakas-Kampi-CMD stalwarts last week, but he rejected the offer because "I do not believe in the candidate [Mr. Teodoro]."

Tourism Secretary Joseph Felix Mari "Ace" H. Durano also declined the offer, saying he was in the NPC senatorial slate.

Batangas Governor Vilma T. Santos-Recto has also rejected calls for her to run as vice-president under Lakas-Kampi-CMD, while Interior Secretary Ronaldo V. Puno, Kampi president before it merged with Lakas in May, has withdrawn from the race.

Actor/television host Eduardo "Edu" B. Manzano, who was also groomed as Mr. Teodoro’s running mate, is set to join the Liberal Party whose standard-bearer, Senator Benigno Simeon "Noynoy" C. Aquino III, is the cousin of Mr. Teodoro.

Prelude to convention

Yesterday’s executive committee meeting was a prelude to next week’s national convention where President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is expected to relinquish her position as chairman.

Mrs. Arroyo was nominated president emeritus, while former President Fidel V. Ramos was offered the position of chairman emeritus which he has yet to accept, Mr. Ermita said.

Messrs. Ermita and Claudio will also relinquish their posts as president and secretary-general, respectively. -- B. U. Allauigan and G. S. de la Peña

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Election 2010

No VP yet for Lakas