Monday, September 24, 2007 Senators make presence felt By Carlo P. Mallo
HAS the race for the presidential race in 2010 already started? With at least three contenders for the presidency in 2010 dropping by Davao City last week, Dabawenyos could not help but ask if they were here to make their presence felt in time for the race in 2010.
First to arrive in the city were Senators Manuel Villar and Mar Roxas. The two arrived last September 16 upon the invitation of Pastor Apollo C. Quiboloy.
During the May 2007 mid-term polls, Villar was one of the 13 senatorial candidates endorsed by the televangelist.
By Tuesday came Senator Dick Gordon, another perceived contender for the presidential post in 2010. Gordon was in the city to promote his Fruits for Hope program, aimed to help speed up the peace process in conflict areas in Mindanao with the promotion of investments in the area.
In an interview with Villar, he denied having definite plans for the 2010 presidential race. Villar said he would have to feel the pulse of the nation as to whether they would want him for the presidency or not. He, however, expressed that he definitely would not reject the option of running for the presidency, if given the opportunity.
Late last week, former senator and Senator Loi Ejercito Estrada also arrived in the city. The former first lady is the mother of Senator Jinggoy Estrada, a contender for the second highest post in the country.
