POLITICS in Davao Oriental is heating up after the unexpected entry of businessman Ruben Feliciano to what could have been an uncontested gubernatorial race in the May 2010 elections.

In a telephone conversation, Feliciano said he will be running for governor under the Partido ng Masang Pilipino (PMP) of former President Joseph Estrada.

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Feliciano said he already sworn allegiance to the PMP and will be visiting Davao Oriental anytime soon with the former president.

Feliciano will be facing a formidable opponent in incumbent Governor Corazon Malanyaon. The governor was not available for comment as of this posting Sunday as she is in India.

Mati Mayor Michelle Rabat said Estrada already requested a meeting with her. She said this could be related to Feliciano's running for governor.

The mayor, however, said that she is not keen on meeting with the Estradas as she is not supporting Feliciano or the former president in the coming elections.

Feliciano will be facing not only Malanyaon but the other members of the Five Star group composed of Mayor Rabat, Representative Thelma Almario, Vice Governor Mayo Almario and Mati Vice Mayor Cesar de Erio.

The five officials vowed not to break their group and join forces in the May 2010 elections. This same group caused the downfall of the administration of former governor Ma. Elena Palma Gil in the 2007 elections. (BOT)