LAKAS-Kampi-CMD deputy secretary general Reginald Velasco said Wednesday Senator Loren Legarda is one of their options to run alongside Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro "because of the party she represents."

Velasco said Legarda's party -- Nationalist People's Coalition (NPC) -- has a "working alliance" with Lakas-Kampi, especially in the House of Representatives and on the local level.

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"We are hoping we can replicate this coalition in the national level...Senator Legarda is considered because she and Gibo (Teodoro) were both NPC," he added.

The party will announce their vice presidential candidate as well as their senatorial slate in their National Convention on November 19 at the Philippine International Convention Center.

He however clarified that the administration party still has a "long list" of options on who to choose as vice president, after Interior and Local Government Secretary Ronaldo Puno backed out.

According to Velasco, there were talks of considering House Speaker Prospero Nograles for the position.

"But he's (Nograles) not interested because he wants to focus on Davao," he added.

Velasco however admitted that they are not considering Senator Francis Escudero, who recently left NPC.

"He will be good candidate, but even with his old party mates, they are puzzled (with his decision). Parang solo flight na siya eh," he added.

For their senatorial slate, Velasco said they are looking at Senators Bong Revilla, Miriam Santiago, Lito Lapid and Juan Ponce Enrile, Tesda (Technical Education and Skills Development Authority) and Health Secretary Francisco Duque III. Lakas-Kampi is opening four slots for possible coalition.

NPC meanwhile is confident that Legarda will run for vice president under their party.

The party's spokesman Representative Rex Gatchalian (Valenzuela, 1st district) said they are still in consultation with members on their plans, including the possible tie up with the Nacionalista Party (NP).

"Anything's possible, our door is open for whatever is the best alternative for NPC...at the right place and the right time, we will choose," Gatchalian said.

Tourism Secretary Ace Durano, late senator Blas Ople's daughter Susan "Toots" Ople, former senator Vicente Sotto III, and Representative Rodolfo "Ompong" Plaza III will be in the NPC senatorial slate.

Lawyer Adel Tamano of NP, for his part, said a tie-up with NPC would be a "grand reunion."

NPC is a breakaway party of the NP. The other breakaway party is the Liberal Party.

"If NPC were to partner with NP, that would be a great thing especially that they came from one party," Gatchalian echoed.

Tamano said his party is still talking to different people as to who will run alongside their presidential candidate Senator Manny Villar.

NP's announcement will be made in two weeks.

"Loren is one of them, Chiz is one of them...there are other people being considered," he said, adding that they already have a shortlist of choices.

For the NP senatorial slate, Tamano said aside from himself, they are looking at party spokesman Gilbert Remulla, Senator Pia Cayetano, Ilocos Representative Bongbong Marcos, former Planning secretary Ralph Recto, and detained Marine Lieutenant Colonel Ariel Querubin.

Tamano said they are also leaving slots open for possible coalitions. (Justine Paredes/Sunnex)