MANILA, Philippines?Although he doesn?t have any influential backers or funds, former Public Works Secretary Hermogenes Ebdane Jr. said on Thursday his bid to become president was on course.

In a press briefing, Ebdane said he was not withdrawing from the 2010 presidential race despite lack of funds and poor showing in the surveys.

?We will fight to win,? Ebdane said as he doused speculation that he would temper his ambition and run for senator instead under Lakas Kampi CMD.

He stressed that he was never a member of Lakas Kampi CMD, which has chosen Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro Jr. and actor Eduardo Manzano as its candidates for president and vice president, respectively.

Ebdane said he would file his certificate of candidacy on Dec. 1. He will announce his choice for vice president and other slots under his party Partido ng Manggagawa at Magsasaka (PMM) on Nov. 29.

Ebdane has tapped former Labor Secretary Ruben Torres as his campaign manager.

Torres, who served under the administration of President Arroyo, has been meeting with election strategists to beef up the campaign of Ebdane.

?In the past few days, there have been rumors that I was unusually silent because I was going to withdraw from the race. But it is not true because I will continue the fight and I have no intention of going back either,? Ebdane said in his speech.

Baring his platform, Ebdane said he favored changing the 1987 Constitution through a constitutional convention.

He also pledged to prioritize peace and order, infrastructure development and food production, labor and employment and preserve the environment if elected president.

Ebdane said he was confident of his chances in 2010, although his opponents have better resources.

?If other (presidential) candidates will spend P1 for their campaign, I might spend only 15 to 25 centavos because I have no money and I will only rely on the support of my party, the party of laborers and peasants,? he said.