MAASIN CITY, Philippines ? Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. said he would take his oath as member of the administration party Lakas-Kampi-CMD within July.

Teodoro, who is eyeing the presidency in 2010, is hoping to secure the nomination of the administration party.

?My membership with Lakas has been scheduled. It would be before July 31st. My oath taking as Lakas member is also scheduled,? Teodoro told reporters here on Tuesday.

Teodoro has been on leave from the Nationalist People?s Coalition (NPC), founded by his uncle, business tycoon Eduardo ?Danding? Cojuangco, since he assumed the defense portfolio in August 2007.

The defense chief refused to reveal his plans if he fails to secure the Lakas-Kampi-CMD nomination.

?After the selection, whether I continue in public office or not is already my call,? he said without elaborating.

During his visit here for the inauguration of the P19-million Southern Leyte provincial legislative building, Teodoro got the support of Southern Leyte Governor Damian Mercado and Representative Roger Mercado.

?I will endorse, together with my brother Governor Mercado, Secretary Teodoro as the presidential candidate of the Lakas-Kampi CMD when the party convenes to select its standard bearer,? Rep. Mercado said.

The lawmaker noted that Teodoro, a Harvard graduate and bar topnotcher, was a ?good material and a good man.?