Davao City's Lakas-Kampi-CMD is all ready for 2010 polls

DAVAO CITY, Philippines – The ruling Lakas-Kampi-CMD political party has completed its nominees for next year’s local and national elections.

Lawyer Karlo Nograles, son and chief of staff of House Speaker Prospero Nograles, said the coalition’s local chapter has “slowly but surely” worked its way to tip-top shape and will be “ready and fully-equipped” in the May elections.

He said as the party is poised to convene next week to pick its presidential candidate, the Davao City chapter of the Lakas-Kampi-CMD has already come up with its nominees so that the party could field a full electoral slate in every district of the country.

“From Bankerohan to Lasang and Marilog, and from Agdao to Paquibato and Toril, Lakas in Davao City has covered the bases,” the young Nograles said. “That is the advantage of Lakas; we are the biggest and most organized political party.”

Lakas has been conducting surveys, both internal to the party and through reputable polling outfits, to guide the selection process of would-be candidates.

Speaker Nograles was the former national president of Lakas before it merged with Kampi. The elder Nograles now sits as vice chairman to President Gloria Arroyo in the merged Lakas-Kampi-CMD.

“We are happy with the outcome of the surveys, particularly for major positions in Davao City,” the lawyer said.

The young Nograles, who is said to be eyeing a congressional seat in the 1st District, said the coalition is not worried about its chances both in the local and national levels come 2010.

He said Lakas is proud of its performance in Davao, virtually changing the face of city in terms of infrastructure development. He said he and his father who is called “Team Nograles” in Davao City because of their drive to deliver social services and other pro-poor programs from medical and health care, to livelihood and education scholarships..