By CAROL ARGUILLAS
MINDANEWS
A day after Lakas-Kampi-CMD presidential candidate Gilbert Teodoro resigned as party chairman, Sarangani Governor Miguel Dominguez and Francis Manglapus yesterday tendered their resignations as party president and secretary general, respectively.
In his letter to the national executive committee of Lakas-Kampi-CMD, Dominguez said: “I hereby tender my resignation as party president effective immediately. With the recent resignation of our chairman Gilbert C. Teodoro Jr., I would like to give the incoming chairman a freehand to select his new president. I would like to thank the National Executive Committee and her Excellency Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo for the trust and confidence given me.”
Manglapus’ letter read: ““I hereby tender my resignation as party secretary general effective immediately. With the recent resignations of our chairman Gilbert C. Teodoro Jr. and president Governor Miguel Rene Dominguez, I would like to give the incoming chairman and president a free hand to select their new secretary general. I would like to thank the national executive committee and her Excellency Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo for the trust and confidence given to me.”
Sources said Lakas-Kampi-CMD officials are displeased by the lukewarm support of Malacañang of Teodoro. There are also talks that First Genlteman Jose Miguel “Mike” Arroyo has instructed supporters to support Nacionalista Party candidate Manuel Villar.
In a statement, Teodoro denied the Inquirer report quoting Cebu Governor Gwen Garcia allegedly telling him that Mike Arroyo instructed them to support Villar. Teodoro said: “I deny the report (PDI, 1/1,2010) that Cebu Gov. Gwen Garcia allegedly told me that the First Gentleman called up members of her family to withdraw their support to me. I have been going to Cebu to attend One Cebu party to my Presidential bid has always been solid and unconditional. IT HAS NEVER WAVERED.
“I appeal to all not to believe in the divisive intrigues being spread around and instead focus on the issues affecting the future of our country.” —with Ellen Tordesillas