Ebdane confirms 'interest' in running for president in 2010

Public Works and Highways Secretary Hermogenes Ebdane Jr. on Friday expressed interest in seeking the presidency as the administration party's contender in the May 2010 elections, saying several groups see him as an “alternative" candidate. “I have become interested … I think within the circumstances I think we can join the fight," the DPWH secretary told reporters before the start of the Senate inquiry on the proceeds of the Road Users’ Tax and Motor Vehicle User’s Charge. Ebdane said he has yet to make his final decision but it will be "presidency or nothing." He will announce his decision between November 20 to 30, the period for the filing of the certificate of candidacy for all electoral positions in the 2010 polls. He said groups with members “from national to barangay" levels have been convincing him to run since last year. He said he wanted to be sure that once he makes his decision, he will not be left hanging by the same people who want him to run. Ebdane said he had “insinuated" this to President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, who told him that the post is open to everybody. Asked if there were Palace officials who were dissuading him from running, he said he is not listening to them. Ebdane vs Gibo? According to reports, at least 15 governors from Mindanao want Ebdane as the standard bearer of the administration party Lakas-Kampi-CMD in the 2010 national elections, effectively challenging a decision by the party’s national leaders earlier this week to pick Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro as their presidential candidate. The party leaders said their choice was subject to concurrence by the national executive committee. But Ebdane hinted that Arroyo's political party might eventually choose between him and Teodoro. "Siguro bawat partido isa lang ang kandidato. Hindi pwedeng dalawa (Perhaps there should only be one candidate in every party. There can't be two)," Ebdane said. But Ebdane kept mum on whether some of Arroyo's Cabinet officials have vouched their support for him. He also refused to say who he was eyeing as his running mate. "The final decision of everyone joining the fight will be on Nov. 20 to 30. For now, everything's fluid." Surigao del Sur Gov. Vicente Pimentel Jr. has been quoted as saying he and other Mindanao leaders want Ebdane as president because he had shown his “concern for Mindanao in terms of infrastructure and development." When asked if he was comfortable to run with Teodoro under the same party, Ebdane said:"Let’s not delve into personalities. I respect everybody. I respect Gibo, he’s a good man." Ready for 2010 Although he has less than two months to file his candidacy, Ebdane said he has already prepared for the 2010 elections. "Before you join the fight you must be prepared. It’s better to have it then need it than need it and then you don’t have it," he said. Ebdane was a former Philippine National Police (PNP) chief who was plucked by President Arroyo from retirement to become one of her troubleshooters . His name cropped up during investigations into the "Hello Garci" scandal, in which a number of military and police officials were linked by the opposition to an alleged plan by the administration to rig the 2004 elections in favor of Mrs. Arroyo. Mrs. Arroyo has denied any wrongdoing in the election scandal. Like Teodoro, Ebdane is not among the Cabinet officials of President Arroyo or political personalities in the country who have rated well in public opinion surveys. In case Ebdane's presidential ambition is not realized, the retired police chief said he would like to spend the rest of his days on a farm. "(I would like to) go to the province and farm and help whoever maybe there," he said.- GMANews.TV