METROPOLITAN Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Bayani Fernando on Sunday said he is talking with various prospective running mates for his presidential bid in the 2010 elections.

This, as he reiterated that he no longer considers himself a member of the ruling party Lakas-Kampi-CMD.

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"There are many talks to different candidates and sources... but nothing is definite...," Fernando said.

When asked if Senator Francis Joseph "Chiz" Escudero is one of the personalities he is talking to, the MMDA chief declined to answer.

Escudero has resigned from the Nationalist Peoples Coalition (NPC) of businessman Eduardo "Danding" Cojuangco and is reportedly keen on running for the vice presidential post in next year's polls.

Fernando said he would reveal his running mate before he files his candidacy.

At the same time, the MMDA chief stressed his position that he will not run for any lower post other than the presidency.

"I have said before that I am interested in the presidency. I can't forego my advocacy on political will... the implementation of our laws without fear of votes if am not president," he said.

Earlier, Fernando left the administration party, which he has been a member since 1992 after it selected then Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. - a transferee from the NPC - as standard bearer for 2010.

He said he is no longer interested in a party that does not value loyalty.

"I do not consider myself a member of the Lakas-Kampi CMD party anymore. There is no more reason to stay in a political party from which one cannot expect anything," he said. "I lost my trust and maybe because they don't want me too that is why I no longer want to be a member."

He also chided officials of the ruling coalition for airing statements to the media including his name in the senatorial slate.

"I have not been given prior notice by the party or have I expressed interest in joining their list of senatorial candidates. I am running for president, it is not my aspiration to become a senator," he said.

"It is not right for them to announce I am running as senator under their party, kasi panloloko iyon... they are confusing the public. I repeat, I am running for president at hindi sa kung ano pa mang posisyon," he added.

Earlier, Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita said Fernando is one of the personalities being eyed by the party for their senatorial slate in next year's polls.

In another development, Fernando welcomed the Palace announcement that it will tap the services of MMDA Vice Chairman Cesar Lacuna as his replacement once he files his candidacy.

Fernando said the workings at the MMDA are very technical so the next chairman should also be a technical man, which exactly fit Lacuna being a civil engineer by profession.

He added that there is barely seven months for the next chairman to stay at the MMDA, thus anyone who is new to the programs laid out might spend so much time studying it.

The departure of Fernando from the helm of the MMDA is expected before the end of the month as he maintained his resolve to run for president in the 2010 elections. (AH/Sunnex)