Philippine defence chief to contest presidency in 2010

Sep 16, 2009, 11:44 GMT

   Manila - The Philippines' ruling political coalition on Wednesday named the country's defence secretary as its candidate for the presidential race next year.

   Defence Secretary Gilberto Teodoro emerged as the choice for standard bearer of the Lakas-Kampi coalition after a vote by its national executive committee.

   Lakas-Kampi Secretary General Gabriel Claudio said Teodoro's candidacy for the presidential election in May would be ratified by a national convention that could be held within the month.

   Claudio said the executive committee conducted a vote by secret ballot to choose between Teodoro and Bayani Fernando, chairman of a metropolitan Manila agency.

   Teodoro said that if he wins, he would advocate for constitutional amendments to bring more reforms and growth.

   He noted that the 1987 constitution was 'a reaction to martial law' and 'provided for protection but not growth.'

   To make the agriculture sector more productive, Teodoro batted for continued irrigation, peace and order in productive areas and an end to land acquisition if support could not be provided to farmers.

   Teodoro would be pitted against his cousin, Senator Benigno 'Noynoy' Aquino III, who announced his bid for the presidency earlier in the month.

   Other possible contenders for the top post are real estate magnate Senator Manny Villar and former president Joseph Estrada, who was convicted of corruption but pardoned.