Monday, October 29, 2007 Among wooed to run for vice president? By Albert B. Lacanlale
CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- The recent exposure of Pampanga Governor Eddie Panlilio in national media with his "honesty" over the alleged P500,000 bribe money from Malacañang has drawn rumors that the priest-turned-politician is eyeing a national position in the 2010 presidential election.
Political pundits in the province claim that Panlilio, who has been seen in television and banner photos of major newspapers in the country holding a bundle of P1,000 bills, may have been cooking up a political recipe for a possible berth in the national elections.
Rumors have it that an incumbent senator, reportedly gunning for the presidential seat in 2010, has sent feelers to Panlilio to become the lawmaker's running mate.
Positioning for the national political circus has started even after the last ballot in the recent local elections was counted.
But Panlilio dispelled rumors of his supposed entry to the national political scene saying there is much to be done in the province.
Besides, he said, the election is still three years to go.
He said reports of a senator coming to woo him as a possible vice presidential bet are not true.
The governor, who toppled two political giants in the province in the persons of former governor Mark Lapid and former board member Lilia Pineda during the last May elections, said in his campaigns that he would only run the province for one term should he win.
Just recently, however, Panlilio announced that he may seek reelection in the 2010 synchronized elections as he is "enjoying" every moment of his stay as governor.
"It's an exhilarating experience," the governor said in describing his stint as provincial executive.
Media reports state that the incumbent senators who plan to run in the 2010 presidential election include Senate President Manuel Villar Jr., Senator Manuel "Mar" Roxas, Senator Loren Legarda and Senator Panfilo Lacson. Some say Senator Richard Gordon is also interested.
