Noli seeking own discernment

Vice President Noli de Castro has joined the ranks of politicians and religious leaders seeking “discernment” in deciding whether to run for president in the 2010 elections.

De Castro has been playing coy in announcing his presidential bid.

Yesterday, Presidential Adviser for Political Affairs Gabriel Claudio said De Castro, who remains undecided on whether to seek the presidency and join the administration party, is "doing his own discernment."

"We’re hoping before the first half of this month that there would be a clear resolution of what would be the decision of Vice President Noli de Castro," Claudio told a morning news show at government-run NBN.

He said De Castro is "doing his own careful consideration of the entire situation and we’re giving him time."

De Castro is still among those topping the surveys for favored presidential candidates but in a recent Pulse Asia survey, he dropped to third spot.

De Castro was reportedly approached by President Arroyo to consider running under the ruling Lakas-Kampi-CMD.

Claudio said De Castro is assured of the administration’s support if he joins the ruling party and of "a good margin or good chances of victory."

He said the Vice President has "good instincts and exquisite timing" that have served him well in his political career.

De Castro’s reluctance to run can also be considered an advantage, he added.

"I do not contemplate or I do not see the probability of Vice President ‘Kabayan’ running under any political party or group," Claudio said, referring to De Castro’s moniker.

source: PhilStar.com