Loren to run only for president, not vice president

Sen. Loren Legarda is aiming for the presidency and will not run for vice-president in the 2010 elections, according to her camp.

“I am going to run for the top post,” said a source, quoting Legarda.

In a previous interview with The STAR, Legarda said she was awaiting the anointment of Eduardo “Danding” Cojuangco, National People’s Coalition chairman, before she makes public her presidential plans.

She needs a machinery and party support to pull off a winning presidential bid in 2010, Legarda added.

During the NPC Christmas party last Monday, Cojuangco said their choice for the party’s presidential team in 2010 has narrowed down to Sen. Francis Escudero and Legarda.

However, he did not say who between the two would run for president and vice-president.

Before joining the NPC, Legarda was a member of Lakas-Union of Muslim and Christian Democrats.

In 2004, she ran for vice-president in tandem with opposition presidential candidate Fernando Poe Jr.

In Dagupan City, FPJ’s daughter said she will support an opposition presidential candidate who embodies the idealism of her late father.

Speaking over Aksyon Radyo Pangasinan yesterday, Grace Poe said millions of Filipinos, including her believe that her father won the 2004 presidential elections.

She would like to continue her father’s vision for the country, she added.

Poe said some of her father’s friends who are eyeing the presidency, have hinted that they will get her among their possible senatorial bets.

However, she said she is still undecided if she would try her luck in politics, she added.

Poe has been going around the country as part of her advocacy to let the people know that she is against Charter change.

By January next year, she will visit her father’s hometown San Carlos City in Pangasinan, as well as Dagupan City to let the people know about her stand on Cha-cha, she added.

Poe said Cha-cha is a desperate attempt to extend President Arroyo’s term beyond 2010.

“The people are in an uproar because of Cha-cha,” she said.

“Our Constitution is the anchor of our justice and justice is based on truth but the administration is trying to hide the truth.

“How can we trust them that they will change the Charter for the good of the country?”

Pagcor chief for president?

Chairman Ephraim Genuino of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. is running for president in 2010, a source who requested anonymity said yesterday.

The source said Genuino is now busy recruiting movie actors and actresses to entertain people during the grand launch of his presidential bid next month.

“The allotted fund for Genuino’s presidential bid is placed at P100 million,” the source said.

“He decided to run, saying that every election the administration is spending Pagcor money for candidates, so why doesn’t he run. His full launching is on New Year.”

The source said all the tarpaulins, banners and other launching materials bearing Genuino’s name are all done and waiting to be waved in time for his official announcement.

Genuino’s two sons ran for Congress and councilor in Makati last year.

Both were trounced by the daughter and son of Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay.  – With Eva Visperas, Jose Rodel Clapano