MANILA, Philippines–-After withdrawing his bid in the vice presidential race, Interior Secretary Ronaldo Puno on Tuesday said it was now possible he would also leave the administration party, the Lakas-Kabalikat ng Malayang Pilipino Christian Muslim Democrats.

Puno, during a press conference, said his leaving the party could be the only way to remove any trace of partisanship in both the Department of Interior and Local Government and the Philippine National Police, which he both heads.

“I have said already before that I intend to be non-partisan in this elections and I have to assess whether or not membership in a political party will impair, not just the reality, but the semblance of non-partisanship. What I feel is that I cannot even allow the semblance of non-partisanship to remain because it’s important that I not affect the image of objectivity that the DILG and PNP has been able to portray. Because if they are all non-partisan and I am partisan that’s not a very good situation,” Puno said.

However, he was quick to add that he has yet to discuss with members of the administration party or with Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro the possibility of him leaving Lakas-Kampi CMD.

Puno said it was his loyalty to the DILG that prompted him to consider the possibility of leaving the party.

“I want to be part of the solution, not part of the problem... That’s what’s driving me and nothing else. I love the organization; I have lived a large portion of my life in the DILG and I have grown up as an individual with my friends in the PNP and I don’t want to be a cause of problems for them by maintaining political alliances,” he added.

Puno also said he has yet to discuss with President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo his plans, adding that they do not talk about politics at this time.