De Castro won't seek reelection

MANILA, Philippines – Vice President Noli de Castro said yesterday he is not seeking reelection in 2010.

“Hindi na talaga (not anymore really),” De Castro said when asked about the possibility of running for the same position.

“That was destiny. I never dreamed of becoming a senator. I never dreamed of becoming vice president. It was destiny. Let’s see what happens,” he said.

Last Monday, House Deputy Majority Leader Neptali Gonzales II urged the Vice President to declare his plans for 2010 to hasten the alignment of forces of the Arroyo administration.

“I have the highest respect for the Lakas and Kabalikat ng Malayang Pilipino (Kampi) parties. However, I believe it is not yet time for me to engage in partisan politics,” De Castro said.

In January, De Castro said he would not want his performance in the government in the next two years to be seen as part of a campaign for the presidency but admitted his plan to join the 2010 presidential race.

Meanwhile, former President Joseph Estrada is unifying all opposition forces to field a strong candidate and ensure victory in the 2010 presidential elections, his party spokesman said.

Cagayan de Oro City Rep. Rufus Rodriguez, Puwersa ng Masa (PMP) spokesman, told reporters during the weekly Kapihan sa Sulo Hotel in Quezon City that the nationwide “Lakbay Pasasalamat” of the former president will feel the pulse of the people and unite political opposition forces to fight Lakas-Kampi in the 2010 polls.

Rodriguez said a possible move is to merge the PMP of Erap and the United Opposition of Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay.

Rodriguez said in the initial tour of Estrada, they have already felt the support of the people who gave him a tumultuous welcome in the cities of Davao, Cagayan de Oro, and Zamboanga.

“If there is no strong opposition candidate and there is possibility of cheating then he (Erap) may run in 2010 elections,” he said. – With Perseus Echeminada