Villar declares 2010 presidential bid

DAGUPAN CITY – Senate President Manuel Villar Jr. declared here his “99 percent” preparations for the presidential elections in 2010.

According to Villar, president of the Nacionalista Party (NP), their slate is already complete with personalities from the ruling Lakas party complementing their senatorial lineup.

Without mentioning names, Villar said some Lakas stalwarts have applied with the NP seeking to run for the Senate in the 2010 elections.

Villar said the remaining one percent of his political plans for 2010 is reserved in case of a no-election scenario.

“The one percent is reserved on the possibility that no election occurs. What if it does not push through? What if there is no election?” he asked in jest.

Villar assured the public the elections will definitely push through but “you can never tell, someone might enjoy (extending the term of office).”

Villar stressed the NP have long prepared for the 2010 elections but it would be premature to disclose the possible bets.

“Because you can’t say yet who are with you. It’s still too early. For example, you already formed the ticket but there’s always the possibility that it has to be recast,” he said.

According to Villar, they have already 20 candidates in their list.

But Villar said he has not yet chosen who will be his running mate.

He said the door is still open for possible alliances with other political parties regarding the senatorial slate “but not for the (position of) president.”      – Eva Visperas