Binay welcomes Puno as rival in 2010

MANILA, Philippines – Makati City Mayor Jejomar Binay welcomed yesterday the declaration of Interior Secretary Ronaldo Puno that he will run for vice president in the 2010 national elections.

Binay said the tandem of Vice President Noli de Castro and Puno that was proposed by the Kabalikat ng Malayang Pilipino (Kampi) is a welcome development.

“Whether it’s Secretary Puno or any other administration personality running for vice president, and regardless of whom President Arroyo will anoint as her presidential bet, they will have to contend with the people’s dissatisfaction with the Arroyo administration,” Binay said.

Binay said the 2010 elections would be a referendum on the Arroyo administration.

“What matters to the people in 2010 is whether or not a candidate can offer them a better government than what we have now and could assure that the government will work to put food on their table and provide jobs,” Binay said.

He said the country reached record poverty and hunger levels under the administration of Mrs. Arroyo.

A majority of the people do not believe the Arroyo administration’s claim that the economy is growing.

“The number of Filipinos suffering from hunger and poverty has increased and they did not benefit from the claims of economic growth of this administration,” Binay said.

Under the Arroyo administration, government funds have not been used wisely and millions have been lost to large-scale corruption.

“Under Mrs. Arroyo, our national agencies have become notoriously injudicious in undertaking projects and implementing programs; and that’s the kindest word I can think of. Worse, national funds are being allocated and disbursed as if they were the personal kitty of Mrs. Arroyo. This is the record that the administration candidates will defend before the people. Good luck to them,” Binay said.

Teodoro open to tandem with Puno

Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro Jr., hailed Puno’s decision to announce his intention to run for vice president.

He said Puno is a veteran public servant and has vast experience in running the affairs of local governments and handling the country’s security.

“This makes him the most qualified vice presidential candidate in next year’s elections,” Teodoro said during the graduation rites of the Naval Officers’ Candidate Course (NOCC) held at the Navy base in San Antonio, Zambales.

On the possibility of a Teodoro-Puno tandem, the defense chief said this is very much welcome to him but stressed that this must first pass through the administration’s political coalition selection process.

In the event he is chosen as the administration standard-bearer and Puno would be his running mate, Teodoro said the team will be very strong.

However, if he is not selected, Teodoro said he would abide by the decision of the majority.

Teodoro said that his decision to seek the presidential nomination was not solely his own but also the prodding of supporters from various political groups.

Asked if he is willing to slide down as the vice presidential candidate of De Castro, Teodoro said this matter should also be decided during the selection process.

Meanwhile, Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago believes the Filipinos are experiencing “electoral chronic fatigue” that can explain why the coming elections do not seem to excite them at all.  

Santiago said no one had also come out to be the “man to beat” despite the many personalities who had expressed intention to run. – With Jaime Laude, Aurea Calica