Belmonte sees major shifts in politics

MANILA, Philippines - Quezon City Mayor Feliciano Belmonte Jr. said yesterday that major political developments are in store as the deadline for the filing of certificates of candidacy (COCs) nears.

“We can expect more twist and turn in politics, many changes in the next few weeks,” he told reporters during a news forum. Those who wish to run for national and local elective positions are supposed to file their COCs between Nov. 20 and 30.

He said one of the major developments is the resignation of Sen. Francis Escudero from the Nationalist People’s Coalition.

Belmonte, the executive vice president for external affairs of the ruling Lakas-Kampi-CMD party, also hinted that he would soon make a major political move. He declined to reveal his plans, saying he is still studying his options.

One of them, he said, is to run for a congressional seat in the city’s fourth district, but “it’s not final yet.”

Belmonte and Metro Manila Chairman Bayani Fernando were included in the shortlist of possible party standard-bearers before Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro was nominated. Lakas is set to proclaim Teodoro as the party standard-bearer in a national convention scheduled on Nov. 12.

Ray Roquero, Lakas secretary-general, earlier said Teodoro will be given a free hand to choose his running mate.  – Perseus Echeminada