MANILA, Philippines – Deputy National Security Adviser Luis “Chavit” Singson has confirmed that he is bolting the Lakas-Kampi-CMD and shifting his support to Nacionalista Party standard-bearer Sen. Manuel “Manny” Villar Jr.
Singson told ABS-CBN News that he could not support Lakas-Kampi-CMD presidential candidate Gilberto “Gibo”Teodoro because majority of his allies in Ilocos Sur province are supporting Villar, whom he said is also his friend.
Singson, who is running to reclaim his seat as governor of Ilocos Sur, also revealed the Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao is one of the few people who convinced him to support Villar’s presidential bid.
Despite his decision, he said he would remain friends with Teodoro and President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, who both stood as principal sponsors at the February wedding of his son, Ryan and the daughter of Ilocos Sur Gov. Deogracia Victor.
Singson, meanwhile, clarified that he has not joined the Nacionalista Party.
Villar has been slowly gaining the support of Lakas-Kampi-CMD party members.
Bukidnon Gov. Jose Zubiri has also bolted the ruling party after endorsing Villar.
Zubiri was the provincial chairman of Lakas-Kampi-CMD in Bukidnon. His son, Sen. Juan Miguel Zubiri, is also a member of the party.
There were also reports that several members of the Garcia clan of Cebu province, who are among the top allies of President Arroyo, have also abandoned Teodoro to support Villar?s presidential bid. — Report from Brian Realgo, ABS-CBN Naga
