Padaca's 2010 plans expected today as she turns 46

ILAGAN, Isabela , Philippines  – Despite remaining mum for the past weeks, Gov. Grace Padaca, whose Liberal Party has been grooming her to be one of its senatorial bets, is expected to finally break the ice regarding her next year’s political plans as she turns 46 today.

Padaca, on her second term, is expected to make a statement today on her political plans amid reports that she might run for a Senate or House seat to give way to her ally, outgoing Rep. Edwin Uy of the second district, to succeed her in next year’s election.

“(We) wish that she will remain a partner towards (a more prosperous) Isabela,” said Gamu town Mayor Fernando Cumigad, secretary-general of the Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats here.

As of yesterday, however, Padaca, a former broadcast journalist, has not yet responded to repeated queries of her former media colleagues over her political plans, keeping Isabelinos as well as allies and adversaries waiting anxiously for her pronouncement.

Earlier, Padaca, close ally of both Senators Benigno ‘Noynoy’ Aquino III and Manuel ‘Mar’ Roxas II, the LP’s presidential and vice presidential bets, said she was still keeping her political options open.

“I am glad that before me are a lot of options – to make a go for one more term as governor, (to run for) the Senate, (or) to run for a (House) seat,” said Padaca in an earlier statement.

Padaca reportedly had her pre-birthday celebration the other day with the senior citizens, but did not give hints of her political plans.

On Wednesday, Padaca’s allies from the Lakas-CMD here led by Vice Gov. Ramon Reyes endorsed Uy for the governorship next year, practically leaving Padaca on her own in case she decided to seek her final term as governor of this country’s third largest province.

However, Cumigad said that they were opening the doors for Padaca to be the party’s guest candidate for Congress in Uy’s district, creating the possibility of a rematch with former governor Faustino Dy Jr., himself having served the said district for three terms.

“We hope Governor Padaca will accept her (congressional) nomination. We don’t forecast or foresee a scenario wherein they (Padaca and Uy) will be facing off for the governorship,” said Cumigad, also the Lakas spokesman here.

The Lakas here also nominated its local chairman, Cabinet Secretary Silvestre Bello III as its bet for the first congressional district here, which has been dominated for decades now by the Albanos of former Energy Regulatory Commission chairman Rodolfo Albano Jr., whose son Rodito is now on his last term as congressman of the said district.

Lakas also nominated Reyes for the third congressional district, who will possibly be facing three-term Alicia town Mayor Napoleon Dy, brother of outgoing Rep. Faustino Dy III of the said district.