See Gordon, Madrigal; will they run?

By Michael Lim Ubac
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 00:42:00 11/29/2009

Filed Under: Elections, Politics


AMONG the presidential aspirants, only Senators Richard “Dick” Gordon and Jamby Madrigal’s political plans are still unknown—even to their own staff.

Both Gordon and Madrigal are eligible for reelection but they had made known their interest in seeking higher office.

“I will not run blindly,” said Gordon, when interviewed by phone Saturday. But definitely, he added, he had not backed out of the presidential race.

His TV ad, highlighted by the catchy slogan, “Go na tayo (Let’s go),” is being aired on TV.

A source close to Gordon said the senator was currently holding talks with Metropolitan Manila Development Authority Bayani Fernando about a possible team-up.

Gordon’s lips are sealed at the moment “because there are certain things that are being considered that he thinks will benefit the nation,” said the source, who asked not to be identified.

“We don’t know his plans. If he does run, he will offer a very, very clear choice to the nation,” said the source.

Asked if he was getting Fernando as his running mate, Gordon said: “No comment.”

Gordon, an independent senator, said next year’s election would be the “most important election in the country.”

“The country is running amuck with people killing to get away with (the law) … people steal with impunity. You can include all the past and present presidents, and nothing has changed,” he said.

If he did run for president, he would provide the electorate with “genuine change,” he said.

“I don’t have (huge) resources. But I will have enough to go on. I will make my decision at the proper time. I still have until Tuesday,” he said.

For her part, Madrigal had declared her presidential bid on July 31.

But news of her initial decision to seek the top post was largely drowned out by the news of the death of former President Corazon Aquino.

Madrigal is expected to file her certificate of candidacy today, but members of her staff said they had not been told for what position.


Source: http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20091129-239077/See-Gordon-Madrigal-will-they-run