More resignations hound Lakas-Kampi

Source: Daily Inquirer
MANILA, Philippines— (UPDATE) A day after administration party standard-bearer Gilbert Teodoro resigned as chairman of the Lakas-Kampi-Christian Muslim Democrats (CMD) party, two more party officials are also quitting their posts.

The resignations came as surprise to its members, who were confused by the resignations, Speaker Prospero Nograles said.

“What has happened to our party? To each his own?” Nograles, one of the party’s vice chairmen, said in a text message.

On Wednesday, Nograles and Ray Roquero, Lakas-Kampi-CMD deputy secretary general, confirmed the resignation of Sarangani Governor Miguel Dominguez.

In a separate phone interview, Reggie Velasco, party deputy secretary general, said Francis Manglapus, party secretary general, is also leaving his post.

Velasco said the resignations would pave the way for the new chairman to have a free hand in choosing the officials of the party.

Teodoro tendered his resignation letter as party chairman to allow him to focus on his campaign for the presidency. Velasco said this would also free Teodoro from the task of attending to the campaign requirements of their local candidates.

But members are confused by these developments, Nograles said.

“Gilbert Teodoro’s resignation is a shock to me and (came) without any consultation from us, the previous leaders of the party,” he said in a text message.

“I am now confused and seem to be out of the loop. I’m supposed to be the vice chairman and didn’t know what’s happening. The local troops are now as confused over this event,” he added.

Lakas-Kampi-CMD members have also low morale because of the resignations, according to Nograles.

Presidential political adviser Prospero Pichay, another party stalwart, said he has only heard that Teodoro wanted to concentrate on campaigning that’s why he left his post.

Asked if it would be hard for Teodoro to function as party chairman at the same time, he said, “Very hard, the members, especially those who are seeking posts, have many requirements.”

Asked what these requirements are and if the party can attend to these, Pichay said, “You better ask (Interior and Local Government Secretary) Ronnie Puno.”