Palace taking Panlilio as standard bearer possible - exec

MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang may look at the possibility of adopting Pampanga Governor Ed Panlilio as its standard bearer in the 2010 presidential elections, Press Secretary Cerge Remonde said Tuesday. "While that is improbable it is not impossible. As I have said the President will support those who will continue her vision and those who have a proven track record in being the leader regardless of who he or she maybe as this point in time," Remonde said in a press briefing Tuesday. Remonde's statement came after the announcement of Panlilio, a critic of the Arroyo administration, about the possibility that he would run for the highest office of the land with Isabela Governor Grace Padaca as running mate in the 2010 polls. Panlilio, however, said he would give way to any candidate who he thinks could replace traditional politicians and institute genuine reforms. Asked if the Panlilio-Padaca tandem worries Malacañang, Remonde said "it does not," adding that the priest-turned-governor’s bid is welcome “as anyone else’s is." - with a report from Aie Balagtas See, GMANews.TV