Villar's veep? No way - Noli

MANILA, Philippines - “It’s the presidency or nothing.”

This was the statement made yesterday by Vice President Noli de Castro, belying reports that he will run as vice president of Sen. Manuel Villar in the 2010 elections.

“For the nth time, no way. I will not run again as vice president. If I decide to run in next year’s elections, it will be Kabayan for the presidency,” De Castro told The STAR.

He remained mum, however, when asked if he will run under the administration party or remain independent, should he decide to join the presidential race.

De Castro and Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro were given by the Lakas-Kampi-CMD until July 31 to join the party.

Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita and Presidential Adviser for Political Affairs Gabriel Claudio said the administration party would complete its shortlist of possible presidential candidates on July 31.

Teodoro officially joined Lakas-Kampi-CMD and took his oath as member of the party last Friday.

De Castro said Teodoro is a viable contender and qualified presidential candidate.

“I believe he is a viable contender, qualified and a good candidate for president. I wish him good luck,” he added.

The Vice President, who landed fourth in the latest Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey on the successor of President Arroyo, said he is not affected by the survey results.

“I’m not affected by the surveys even if I landed fourth. I’m still grateful to the people and I will continue to serve them,” De Castro said.

The Vice President may be coy about his intentions in 2010 but he already has a blueprint for nation building, showing his readiness for governance.

“Having a vision is important. But this should be supported by a blueprint so a dream can be a reality,” De Castro said before hundreds of local architects in Mandaluyong.

In a related development, the Lakas-Kampi-CMD is planning to hold a series of party conventions all over the country similar to the primaries in the US to facilitate the selection of its standard bearer for the 2010 elections, a party official disclosed last Friday.

Claudio, Lakas-Kampi-CMD secretary general, also bared that at least 10 Cabinet officials, three governors, and several congressmen and mayors are set to join the ruling party in the coming weeks.

“We will put together general assemblies of party leaders and members in every region and capital where the presidential aspirants would be present,” Claudio said.

Expected to be present in the caucuses would be governors, vice governors, mayors, vice mayors, congressmen and other local leaders.

The move would allow the presidential aspirants to meet with the local leaders and at the same time give party members a chance to voice out their choice for standard bearer.

Meantime, a source from the Nationalist People’s Coalition who asked not to be named said some 20 congressmen-members of the Kabalikat ng Malayang Pilipino (Kampi) may leave the newly merged party with Lakas-CMD and join the NPC courtesy of former Kampi stalwart Camarines Sur Rep. Luis Villafuerte.

– With Paolo Romero and Delon Porcalla