Manila Bulletin - Saturday, September 5
Vice President Noli "Kabayan" de Castro shoul decide soon on whether or not to run for president in next year's election as Lakas-Kampi-CMD, the administration party, will push through with its timetable of announcing its standard bearer within the month.
Presidential political adviser Gabriel Claudio, who is also the party's secretary general, said on Saturday in an interview over DZRB that the party respects De Castro's time of discernment if he would run for president in 2010, but he was firm in saying that the party must follow its timetable.
"The absolute deadline for presidential hopefuls considered by the party (is on) September 15, so determined tayo na panindigan ang timetable, during which we'll have to take action and corresponding decision," he said.
"We'll continue to rely on (De Castro) for support, guidance and cooperation... but the party has a timetable and it has its objectives," he said.
De Castro is not yet a member of Lakas-Kampi-CMD. Claudio said the first step for De Castro to take is to be a member of the party if he is to be chosen as the standard bearer.
Claudio said the administration party will have a standard bearer not later than this month but the party is still having deliberations on who would be the administration's standard bearer in next year's elections.
"God willing, we'll be able to come up with the decision and announcement this month," he said.
He clarified that there is no such thing as political "anointment" under the processes of the political party. Earlier reports had said that the vice president was "anointed" by President Arroyo as the administration's standard bearer.
"Virtual endorsement is a matter of interpretation," Claudio said, as he explained that President Arroyo, who is also the party chair, had cited the vice president's qualifications "in the same way" as she recognizes the qualifications and track record of Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Bayani Fernando and Secretary Gilbert Teodoro, who are also vying to become the standard bearer of the administration party.
"It will have to be the result of a selection process based on democratic consultations (among) members of Lakas-Kampi," Claudio said.
On the party's vice-presidential candidate, Claudio said it will be up to the chosen standard bearer.
The League of Governors, in a general assembly held Friday, expressed its support for Defense Secretary Teodoro in a resolution. Teodoro is a member of the administration party. Claudio admitted that the resolution will be a big factor in the party's decision process.
Vice President Noli "Kabayan" de Castro shoul decide soon on whether or not to run for president in next year's election as Lakas-Kampi-CMD, the administration party, will push through with its timetable of announcing its standard bearer within the month.
Presidential political adviser Gabriel Claudio, who is also the party's secretary general, said on Saturday in an interview over DZRB that the party respects De Castro's time of discernment if he would run for president in 2010, but he was firm in saying that the party must follow its timetable.
"The absolute deadline for presidential hopefuls considered by the party (is on) September 15, so determined tayo na panindigan ang timetable, during which we'll have to take action and corresponding decision," he said.
"We'll continue to rely on (De Castro) for support, guidance and cooperation... but the party has a timetable and it has its objectives," he said.
De Castro is not yet a member of Lakas-Kampi-CMD. Claudio said the first step for De Castro to take is to be a member of the party if he is to be chosen as the standard bearer.
Claudio said the administration party will have a standard bearer not later than this month but the party is still having deliberations on who would be the administration's standard bearer in next year's elections.
"God willing, we'll be able to come up with the decision and announcement this month," he said.
He clarified that there is no such thing as political "anointment" under the processes of the political party. Earlier reports had said that the vice president was "anointed" by President Arroyo as the administration's standard bearer.
"Virtual endorsement is a matter of interpretation," Claudio said, as he explained that President Arroyo, who is also the party chair, had cited the vice president's qualifications "in the same way" as she recognizes the qualifications and track record of Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Bayani Fernando and Secretary Gilbert Teodoro, who are also vying to become the standard bearer of the administration party.
"It will have to be the result of a selection process based on democratic consultations (among) members of Lakas-Kampi," Claudio said.
On the party's vice-presidential candidate, Claudio said it will be up to the chosen standard bearer.
The League of Governors, in a general assembly held Friday, expressed its support for Defense Secretary Teodoro in a resolution. Teodoro is a member of the administration party. Claudio admitted that the resolution will be a big factor in the party's decision process.