Gordon considering running for president next year

MANILA, Philippines - Senator Richard Gordon on Wednesday said he is considering running for president in the 2010 elections. In a press conference, Gordon said he would be meeting the members of Bagumbayan Movement, which he said was composed of ordinary people and businessmen, next month and that a formal announcement would be made on April 27. "I am considering running [for president]. This April we’ll have a meeting with Bagumbayan Movement and their representatives from all over the country," Gordon said. The senator said he is not after the endorsement of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo but he would welcome it if she would give her her blessing. "If it is given, I will follow. Right now, I want my own," he said. Gordon said he already has a lineup of senatorial candidates but admitted that he is yet to choose a running mate. "Complete na ako sa senatorial [candidates] in my mind. Di ko kinokonsidera ang popularity [I have a complete list of senatorial candidates in my mind. I don't consider popularity as a factor]. If a party has a platform they will get people with that," the lawmaker said. - Amita Legaspi, GMANews.TV