Manila, Oct 03: Philippine vice president Teofisto Guingona, often at odds with President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo on key issues, resigned from the ruling party today, citing corruption and unfulfilled reform promises. His resignation came a day after senate majority leader Loren Legarda, the party vice president, also quit the Lakas-CMD following disagreements with party members. The moves heralded the opening of the May 2004 elections season. Political parties are preparing for conventions to choose their candidates in time for the official lists in December. Guingona said that he has not yet decided whether to run for president. Legarda has already announced her plans to run for vice president, but has not indicated whether she would join another party.
Arroyo, who is party chairwoman, said in December she wouldn't run, but speculation is rife she may have changed her mind.
The party co-chair, house of representatives Speaker Jose de Venecia, said Arroyo "has the full support'' of the party as its presidential candidate.
Guingona, in an letter to arroyo, said: ``it pains me to write this letter, but the moment of truth demands that I tender my resignation from the Lakas-CMD party.''
A former party president, Guingona was a senator when he was picked by arroyo as her vice president after she took office in January 2001 following the ouster of former president Joseph Estrada on corruption charges. Guingona said he respected Arroyo's December decision not to run in 2004 to focus on reforms.
Bureau Report