Still no Lakas presidential bet Nograles

DAVAO CITY – The administration party has yet to select its standard bearer for the 2010 presidential elections, according to Speaker Prospero Nograles, president of the ruling Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas) party.

Nograles noted the opposition is already gearing up for its selection of candidates while Lakas has yet to make preparations on the process of selecting among the presidential wannabes with less than two years before the 2010 elections.

“No, not yet. We have not chosen anyone yet,” Nograles told reporters here during a weekend visit.

Nograles said the party is already scouting among its ranks for a possible standard-bearer as well as senatorial candidates.

But Nograles declined to elaborate on who might be chosen to lead the administration party in the 2010 polls.

Asked if he would run for the Senate in the coming elections, Nograles said he is already contented in his position.

“Right now my plate number is ‘4’ being the fourth highest official of the land. Why would I change it to ‘7’ for the Senate? I am happy where I am now,” he said.

Nograles said he has been busy lately attending to the various concerns of Lakas members from all over the country.

“I meet with them (local officials) every now and then. They go to my office,” he said.

Nograles said Lakas is also now working on the merger with the Kabalikat ng Mamamayang Pilipino (KAMPI), the political party founded by President Arroyo, to form a formidable team in the 2010 elections. – Edith Regalado