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CEBU CITY, Philippines ? His not being endorsed by the ruling Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas-CMD) played a major role in Mandaue City Vice Mayor Carlo Fortuna?s decision to back out as candidate for president in the Vice Mayor?s League of the Philippines (VMLP) polls, a party spokesman said Sunday.
Elberto Emphasis, Lakas-CMD deputy spokesman for the Visayas, said their party officially endorsed Cebu City Vice Mayor Michael Rama to run as president of the VLMP.
?When Carlo ran for the Philippine Councilor?s League Presidency, it was Lakas who gave the endorsement when he won. Now, we have endorsed Mike (Rama)? said Emphasis in a telephone interview.
Emphasis said the party?s endorsement is a factor in winning league presidencies considering the large number of Lakas party members.
Another source who asked for anonymity said it would also be difficult for Fortuna (to run) without campaign funds, which usually comes from the party.
Fortuna yesterday said he decided to back out from the race because of family problems.
?To insinuate such a reason for my withdrawal is an insult to me and my family. I have already spoken...,? Fortuna said.
During the PCL elections, Fortuna said that he was Lakas? bet because he was ?the most formidable presidential candidate.?
?The party went for the winnable. Let me refresh Bert?s memory that no one from Luzon or Mindanao ran against me. It was the first in the history of PCL,? Fortuna said. ?I unified the league (referring to the PCL).?
