Fernando calls on Lakas to choose original members

MANILA, Philippines - Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) chairman Bayani Fernando yesterday urged his party, the ruling Lakas-Kampi-CMD, to pick the administration’s presidential candidate for the 2010 elections from loyal and original party members.

Fernando also stressed that he is the most qualified party member to be the administration’s standard-bearer despite his low survey showing.

“I believe that most voters are still undecided about the forthcoming elections. I am confident that I will eventually win the support of voters from Metro Manila, Central and Southern Luzon. It is very important for the next president to have the discipline and political will to govern and implement things for the good of the country and I think the people know me as a kind of leader who has plenty of that,” he said.

Fernando added that he is confident his ratings in popularity surveys would improve once he files his certificate of candidacy.

Presidential Adviser for Political Affairs Gabriel Claudio said Fernando, Vice President Noli de Castro and Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro all have a “fair chance” of being selected as the standard-bearer of Lakas-Kampi-CMD for the 2010 elections.

Claudio said there would be a consensus from the ranks of the Lakas-Kampi-CMD in choosing the presidential candidate and there would be “no dictation coming from the President.”

Claudio said the national consensus of the Lakas-Kampi-CMD is scheduled on Sept. 15.

He said the national executive committee of the party that would formally choose the standard-bearer would be composed of 60 members coming from the Senate, the House of Representatives, local government executives, Cabinet members, and the private sector.

Sen. Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. said his decision on whether or not to stay with Lakas-Kampi would depend on the party’s choice of standard-bearer.

Revilla, who will seek re-election in the May 2010 elections, admitted there are many parties trying to recruit him.

He said he would wait for the administration party to choose its candidate for president and see if he would support the standard-bearer.

Claudio had admitted there were attempts by other parties to “pirate” administration party members but Lakas-Kampi is confident of the commitment and loyalty of its members.

Jamby to use family’s wealth for campaign

Sen. Jamby Madrigal said her family has enough wealth to fund her presidential campaign.

“For more than 100 years, our family has built more than enough wealth that I could spend and which we could contribute to the country’s economy,” Madrigal said.

Madrigal said the financial requirement in running for president is not much of a problem for her as she is now quietly working in firming up a good machinery and network.

There are reports that a minimum of P1 billion will be required to mount a competitive presidential campaign in the country.

“Why should I be worried? When all the dust would have settled, I definitely would file my certificate of candidacy in November.”

Madrigal hopes that her group could come up with a complete Senate slate in the elections next year.

“If not, there would be a very good coalition for us,” she said. – With Aurea Calica, Edith Regalado