Tuesday, March 11, 2008 Nograles to be next vice president? By Ben O. Tesiorna
AFTER being elected as new president of the Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (CMD), many are saying that the next position for Speaker Prospero Nograles is the vice presidency.
Sun.Star Davao asked some Mindanaoans on their opinion of the possibility for Nograles to become the next vice president and many supported the idea but others, especially the militant groups, outrightly dismissed it.
"The possibility of Nograles becoming vice president is there. But as human rights' workers to support him? No. On the issue of human rights violations and other scandals involving the first family, which is a big public concern, he has done nothing. Not even a single statement of condemnation. When it comes to public issue, which needs public concerns, Nograles is silent. His performance now only shows how rabid defender he is of President Arroyo." -- Kelly Delgado of Karapatan Southern Mindanao
"Sure I will support and campaign for his (Nograles) candidacy." -- City of Mati Vice Mayor Cesar de Erio
"Yes and why not." -- DCWD president of the board Ed Bangayan
"The future of Nograles in the national politics depends on the survival of PGMA (Arroyo) as president whether she will still be in power or not until 2010 or beyond. I think if she survives, the people will again use their protest votes come 2010 just like what happened last May 2007 elections where the Genuine Opposition in the senatorial race dominated over the Team Unity. If ever Nograles will be the standard bearer of the present administration, he will suffer the same fate of the senatorial bets of Team Unity." -- Joel Virador of Bayan Muna
"That's possible. Being House Speaker and probably Lakas president, Nograles stands to have the best credentials to the vice president position for as long as he plays his political cards very well until 2010. As a Mindanaoan, I should be proud for this chance." -- Former Davao City mayor Benjamin de Guzman
"I am all out for a vice president from Mindanao and I am glad that it might happen. Finally we have someone from Davao in the very halls of power. Unlike others in the past who claim they are from Mindanao, Speaker Nograles is a hands-on Mindanaoan. He knows what is happening down here so will be in a better position to bring reform and changes." -- businesswoman Joji Ilagan-Bian
"It's an opportunity for us Mindanaoan. I'll campaign hard for Nogie as vice president." -- Tagum City Mayor Rey Uy
"Personally, I would like to. But winning is another thing." -- Compostela Valley Governor Arturo Uy
"Why not." -- Secretary Silvestre Bello III and sportswriter Jon Develos
"I will, pero wala na siya kaila sa Mati (he is not known in Mati)." -- City of Mati executive assistant Richard Villacorte
"Bakit hindi. Mindanao needs to have stronger voice in national government and kelangan Mindanaoan at heart who advocates for peaceful settlement of decades-long conflict in the island." -- Ferdinand Zuasola, Davao Oriental provincial information officer
"Why not, it's an honor to us Mindanaoans." -- Jerry Dureza of the Presidential Assistant for Peace Process
"As vice president, I would also support him but not only because he is a Mindanaoan. I believe he has the experience and credentials to be an excellent vice president. Lastly, we're both from the same Suazo clan so obviously I would fully support him if he decides to make a go for it." -- former Davao del Norte vice governor Anthony del Rosario
"Frankly I would rather endorse and support Nogie for president. Honestly." -- North Cotabato Representative Bernardo Piñol Jr.
On Monday, about 150 Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (CMD) members who were present at the national directorate meeting picked Nograles as their new president after Representative Jose de Venecia Jr. resigned from his post few hours before the convention.
North Cotabato Representative Bernardo Piñol said no election happened as all of those present in the convention approved unanimously the motion filed by Representative Simeon Datumanong for Nograles to become the Lakas president.
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo arrived at the Lakas convention held at the Manila Hotel at 1 p.m. She congratulated Nograles for being chosen as new Lakas chief.
In her speech, the President endorsed the official merging of Lakas-CMD with Kampi.
Arroyo said her concern for the country's economy is the main reason she wanted the two administration political parties to merge.
Piñol said Lakas is creating a committee to study the merging of Lakas and Kampi.
In a text message, Nograles said his first agenda after assuming the Lakas presidency post is to unite the party.
"Then we start talks to merge with other coalition parties after the Holy Week," Nograles said.
In just one month, Nograles was catapulted to the fourth highest position in the country and to head the ruling party.
