The administration Lakas-Kampi-CMD party is open to a presidential tandem between Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro and Senator Francis Escudero in next year’s elections, a senior party official said Wednesday.

Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita raised the possibility of a Teodoro-Escudero presidential team up although he refused to preempt the senator.

“In politics really nothing is impossible. That could very well happen,” Ermita, also president of Lakas-Kampi-CMD party, said in a news conference in the Palace.

“That could very well be a signal that there will be a not fusion but an alliance between the biggest and the bigger party; that could very well be a signal if that happens. But it is not an impossibility,” he added.

Ermita, also presidential spokesman, said he respects Escudero’s decision to leave the NPC, a member of the administration coalition, and is eager to see future developments in the vice presidential race.

“All I could say is give Senator Escudero a chance to make up his mind, make his final announcement about his political destiny, maybe a week from now. What is worth watching is the alignment of the vice presidentiables in light of this particular development,” he said.

Asked if the administration would prefer Escudero or Senator Loren Legarda, another NPC member, as Teodoro’s wingman, Ermita said he would rather wait for the decisions of the two about their political plans in 2010.

”Let us just presume that he (Escudero) is still with the NPC and it is not an impossibility that he may seek to be in tandem with our candidate Secretary Gibo,” he said, referring to Teodoro.

“It will be positive development if anyone of them coming from NPC and with the sanction of their party leadership would come in to be in tandem with our candidate.”

Some party officials previously mentioned Batangas Governor Vilma Santos, Cebu Governor Gwen Garcia, Tourism Secretary Joseph Ace Durano, and Senator Ramon Revilla Jr. as possible running mates for Teodoro.

Should the NPC decide to reaffirm its alliance with the ruling party, Ermita said they would welcome the group headed by businessman Eduardo “Danding” Cojuangco Jr. with open arms.

Escudero’s surprise announcement caught a lot of people off guard, including his former party mates.

Pangasinan Rep. Mark Cojuangco, son of the NPC founder, said he only learned of Escudero’s decision through the media.

“Hindi ko alam ang nangyari. Pero wala akong alam na sama ng loob. I don’t see any reason (for him) to leave the party,” he told House reporters.

“May consensus ang party na mamayang 6 p.m. (Wednesday night) idi-declare siya as presidential bet of NPC,” Cojuangco added.

Rizal Rep. Michael John “Jack” Duavit, NPC secretary-general, and Isabela Rep. Giorgidi Aggabao were equally surprised by Escudero’s resignation which triggered an emergency meeting at the NPC headquarters in New Manila, Quezon City.

“I saw it on TV and I was very surprised,” Duavit said.

“Anything is possible, as far as the bigger direction, we will consult. We are not dictators, we decide by consensus and within few days, the party leadership will have build-up consensus. The party will always stay together.”

Aggabao said, “I was surprised. I knew he was encountering problems chief of which is money, but it never crossed my mind he will leave the party.”

According to reports, Escudero’s resignation came a day after he had a one-on-one meeting with Danding.

There were speculations that Escudero failed to get the support he was expecting from the billionaire businessman, but none of the NPC members interviewed confirmed this.

The resignation of Escudero also gave rise to speculation that Legarda’s plan to team up with Sen. Manuel “Manny” Villar Jr. of the Nationalista Party has Danding’s blessings.

Escudero’s father, Sorsogon Rep. Salvador Escudero III, denied any animosity towards the NPC.

“Ipinaliwanag lang niya that he just wants to broaden his perspectives. Wala namang problema eh. Wala naman siyang rancor sa NPC,” the older Escudero said.

The congressman also denied that his son’s resignation from the party has something to do with money. “Sa national elections hindi naman pera lang ang tinitingnan,” he said.

Despite this new development, Rep. Cojuangco and NPC Chairman Faustino Dy, Jr. clarified that Legarda “will stay in the party and will run as vice-presidential candidate.”

In reaction, Legarda said, “I will lead the party to victory.”

Dy told to reporters in a press conference held at the Cojuangco ancestral house that the party was surprised by Escudero’s decision to bolt the party.

In fact, he admitted his blood pressure shot up to 140 over 108 upon hearing the news.