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Maasin City?Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro said Tuesday he would take his oath as a member of the Lakas-Kampi-CMD within the month.
?My membership with Lakas has been scheduled. It would be before July 31st. My oath taking as Lakas member is also scheduled,? Teodoro told local media in an interview on Tuesday.
Teodoro, who has revealed his plans to run for president, is hoping to get the nod of Lakas-Kampi as its standard bearer in 2010.
Already, Teodoro is getting the support of brothers Southern Leyte Gov. Damian Mercado and Rep. Roger Mercado.
During the inauguration of the P19-million Southern Leyte provincial legislative building held here on Tuesday, Rep. Mercado, regional chairman of Lakas, introduced Teodoro as the country's "next leader."
?I will endorse, together with my brother Governor Mercado, Secretary Teodoro as the presidential candidate of the Lakas-Kampi CMD when the party convene to select its standard bearer,? the congressman also said.
He noted that Teodoro, a Harvard graduate, was a "good material and a good man."
During an earlier visit, Governor Mercado also informed Teodoro that he, his congressman brother and other officials of the province would support the secretary in his presidential bid. ?We will support you through and through,? he added.
Teodoro said he while he wants to become the Lakas-Kampi's presidential candidate he would still support whomever the party would choose as its standard bearer.
However, he refused to bare his plans if he was not chosen as the party's presidential candidate.
?After the selection, whether I continue in public office or not is already my call,? Teodoro said, refusing to elaborate.
Teodoro arrived by helicopter at the Tacloban City port 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, where he was welcomed by the provincial officials and military officers from the Navy and the Army's 8th Infantry Division based in Eastern Visayas.
