GMA not disappointed by Noli's decision - Palace

MANILA, Philippines - President Arroyo was not disappointed by the decision of Vice President Noli de Castro not to join Lakas-Kampi-CMD or take part in its selection process for its presidential candidate for the 2010 elections, administration officials said.

“Not at all,” Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita said when asked if Mrs. Arroyo, who chairs the party, was saddened by De Castro’s move.

“The President knows there are many factors and she understands what’s on the mind of the Vice President, why he did not decide to join the party. So let’s just allow individuals to make their own decision,” Ermita told reporters.

Up to the last minute before the Sept. 15 deadline for those seeking the party’s nomination, De Castro’s supporters in the Lakas-Kampi-CMD were hoping that he would join the selection process.

The party on Wedneday chose Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro as the administration’s standard bearer in the 2010 elections.

But Albay Gov. Joey Salceda, who also sits in the national executive committee of the party, said De Castro is the administration’s only winnable candidate due to his relatively high ratings in presidential surveys.

De Castro earlier confirmed reports that Mrs. Arroyo had invited him to join the party.

“There is no recrimination or disappointment on our part,” Presidential Adviser for Political Affairs Gabriel Claudio said in a telephone interview.

Nacionalista Party presidential candidate Sen. Manuel Villar Jr said he has not yet talked with De Castro regarding the possibility that he might choose the vice president as his running mate. – With Pia Lee Brago, Christina Mendez, Marvin Sy