Whom to back: Lakas split

LEADERS of Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas-CMD) have decided to go their separate ways, endorsing different presidential bets in this year’s elections.

Detained Sen. Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr., a former president of Lakas-CMD, has declared his support for the presidential tandem of Senators Grace Poe and Francis Escudero.

Revilla’s wife, Cavite Rep. Lani Revilla, and son, Cavite Vice Gov. Jolo Revilla, on Thursday welcomed Poe and Escudero’s campaign caravan as they barnstormed the vote-rich province, specifically Silang, Dasmariñas,  Bacoor and Kawit.

 Suarez has Binay

Previously, Lakas-CMD chair Danilo Suarez has already declared his full support for United Nationalist Alliance (UNA) standard-bearer Vice President Jejomar Binay. Former Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita, regional chair of Lakas-CMD in Calabarzon, has also announced his endorsement of Liberal Party bets former Interior Secretary Mar Roxas and Camarines Sur Rep. Leni Robredo.

Lakas-CMD president and senatorial bet Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez said the party members have decided not to make a party endorsement for President and Vice President. Romualdez’s cousin, Sen. Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., is running for Vice President.

“Those from the south will go for someone like (Davao City Mayor Rodrigo) Duterte, and then there are those from the north who would like to have someone like Binay, and there are those in between who would like someone like Grace,” said Romualdez.

Lakas-CMD’s chair emeritus, former President and Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, is running unopposed in her bid for a third and final term. She has retreated from party matters since she has been in hospital detention for most of the Aquino administration  for plunder.

 Film buddies

Poe said her family and the Revillas have long personal ties as her late father, Fernando Poe Jr., and Bong’s father, former Sen. Ramon Revilla Sr., worked together in films. FPJ’s “Ang Panday” movie franchise was continued by Bong with “Anak ng Panday.”

Poe said Revilla did not ask anything in exchange for his political support in Cavite.

“He only asked for a fair and fast trial which all of us want. As president, I will not interfere in the case. It wouldn’t look good if a president would pressure rivals, which is unjust,” said Poe.

In an interview, Jolo said his family did not ask for anything except that they leave his father’s case to the courts.

Poe noted that she performed well in Cavite in the 2013 senatorial race in which she was the top vote-getter. She hoped that Revilla’s backing would offset the support of Cavite’s other political power, Gov. Jonvic Remulla, for Binay.