Potential prime ministers identified

The names of several senior leaders in the Senate and House of Representatives have cropped up as possible candidates to become prime minister if the country adopts a parliamentary system of government, the Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines (ULAP) said.

ULAP secretary general and Mandaue City Councilor Carlo Fortuna said the initial list includes both administration and opposition lawmakers as well as local leaders perceived to have strong leadership and a wide political base.

President Arroyo is backing Charter change to shift the country to a parliamentary system of government.

Senate President Franklin Drilon, a former Arroyo ally turned critic, is the strongest contender from the Senate, Fortuna said.

The other likely candidates to become prime minister are Senators Manuel Villar, Edgardo Angara, Panfilo Lacson, Sergio Osmeña III, Aquilino Pimentel Jr. and Manuel Roxas II.

Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr., a staunch supporter of Charter change, tops the list of possible contenders from the House, who also include House Majority Leader Prospero Nograles, Surigao del Sur Congressman Prospero Pichay Jr. and Reps. Gilbert Teodoro, Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III and Antonio Cuenco.

Their names have been cropping up frequently in ULAP’s public consultation meetings across the country, Fortuna said.

Datu Toto Paglas, a former candidate for governor of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, is being eyed in Muslim communities.

Davao del Norte Board member Alan Zulueta, who chairs the Provincial Board Members League of the Philippines (PBMLP), said the long list of contenders indicates there are potential rivals to De Venecia in a race for the top position in an interim parliament, which would be set up if the Constitution is amended.

ULAP and the multi-sectoral Sigaw ng Bayan are pushing for a people’s initiative to amend the Constitution and replace the current US-style presidential system of government. At least nine million qualified voters have signed the petition.