Barbers favored as Lakas VP bet

Sen. Robert Barbers appears to have the inside track to be named the vice-presidential candidate of the ruling Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas-CMD) in the May elections.

Forty-eight administration, opposition and party-list legislators backed Barbers yesterday, citing him as the best bet for the second-highest post in the land to represent the people and interests of Mindanao. Barbers hails from Surigao del Norte.

"We, members of this present Congress, have known Senator Barbers, being a former colleague in the House of Representatives, and believe in his capability to serve the country as vice president, considering his performance as a public servant for almost four decades," said a resolution signed by the 48 lawmakers.

The legislators who signed the resolution are: Bukidnon Rep. Juan Miguel Zubiri, Deputy Speaker and Basilan Rep. Gerry Salappudin, Sulu Rep. Hussin Amin, Davao Oriental Rep. Mayo Almario, Surigao del Sur Rep. Prospero Pichay, Davao City Rep. Prospero Nograles, Tawi-Tawi Rep. Soraya Jaafar, Lanao del Sur Rep. Faysah Dumarpa, Nueva Ecija Rep. Aurelio Umali, Romblon Rep. Perpetuo Ylagan, Akbayan party-list Rep. Mario Aguja and Pangasinan Rep. Generoso Tulagan.

Speaker Jose de Venecia admitted Barbers is the most preferred choice among the ruling party’s roster of vice-presidential aspirants. De Venecia has just assumed the Lakas-CMD presidency.

"It looks like Bobby Barbers is a heavy favorite," De Venecia said in an interview over the ANC cable television program "Strictly Politics" Tuesday night.