FORT DEL PILAR, Baguio City: The move of President Arroyo (pictured) to resign as chairman of Lakas-Kampi-CMD is part of a tradition to allow the standard bearer to steer the party to victory in the elections, Defence Secretary Gilberto Teodoro said yesterday.
“This is already a tradition in the party. This is not extraordinary,” Teodoro told reporters here when asked to comment on Arroyo’s stepping down as
party chief.
Teodoro also sought to dismiss reports that Arroyo is distancing herself from his presidential bid in her decision to quit the chairmanship of the administration party.
Malacañang has confirmed Arroyo’s decision.
Presidential Adviser on Political Affairs Gabriel Claudio, as secretary-general of Lakas-Kampi-CMD, said Arroyo would not be leaving the party but would only pave the way for Teodoro’s taking over the chairmanship. “She has been the moving spirit behind the merger of the Lakas-CMD and Kampi and the party’s achievements, not only in the political arena, but in pro-people governance,” Claudio said.
“She will maintain her presence and influence over Lakas-Kampi members, particularly in exhorting and inspiring them to work hard for the victory of Secretary Gibo (Teodoro) in his bid for the presidency,” he said.
The move of the President has been seen by many as part of her reported plan to seek an elective post in next year’s elections.
Arroyo’s term ends next year and according to election lawyer Romulo Macalintal, there is no legal impediment to her seeking another elective position, except the presidency.
Her frequent visits to Pampanga further fuelled speculations that she is bent on seeking a congressional seat to represent her district in 2010. There are also reports that Arroyo would be pairing up with Teodoro as his vice presidential candidate for the next year’s elections.
However, Arroyo kept her cards close to her chest, refusing to give any statement regarding her political plans after she steps down next year.
Asked to comment on reports that Arroyo might end up as his running mate, Teodoro said he could not comment on the issue.
Teodoro said he is not aware of Mrs. Arroyo’s political plans for 2010.
The Lakas-Kampi-CMD leadership is still scouting for Teodoro’s running mate as well as his senatorial lineup.
There were reports that the administration party is eyeing several key contenders to be Teodoro’s running mate among them Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC) Sen Loren Legarda, administration Sen Ramon “Bong” Revilla and former Optical Media Board (OMB) Chairman and television host Edu Manzano.
“Wala pa, wala pa (There’s none yet), Teodoro told reporters when asked who would be his running mate. Teodoro said he would soon have a running mate after his resignation as defence secretary on November 16.
