The camp of actor-politician Eduardo "Edu" Manzano on March 3 expressed frustration over what it said to be the administration party’s “lack of support" for their campaign.

In an interview with reporters, Manzano’s campaign manager, Aurelio “Reli" German, said in Filipino, “I feel bad that the full support promised by the [Lakas-Kampi-CMD ] party is not being fulfilled…the agreement we made early on was very clear, that the party will provide all the requirements [Manzano needed] to run a decent nationwide campaign."

German specifically mentioned “lack of funds” being the main source of their problems.

“We have not even reached the P50 million legal amount mandated by the law,” said he, adding mockingly, “Maybe they thought Edu is simply running for mayor [in a] third-class municipality."

German cited a few examples to drive home his point.

“We have no TV commercials. Edu is the only candidate for a national position without any campaign advertisements. Also…we are rarely heard on radio. This can’t go on.”

Still, German belies rumors that Manzano has quit the race.

"No, he's not going to back out…at least as of today (March 3). The situation is far from ideal. As of today, Edu will push on but…we don't know. Right now, this is an uphill battle [for us].”

German said the lack of advertising is the main reason Manzano is lagging behind in surveys. He is hopeful they could still catch up.

"I think we still have enough time but...something has to be done right away," he said.

In a separate interview, Mike Toledo, spokesperson of presidential aspirant Gilberto “Gibo” Teodoro, said he “understands” the position taken by German.

“Sometimes, as far as funding is concerned, [a delay] happens. Lakas relies on contributions, and there are times that there are some delays," he said.

Toledo assures German that help will soon come.

“Just because it is the ruling party doesn't mean that funds will be easy. We are still waiting. There will be some delays, but when [the money] comes, it will be put to proper use," he said.

Toledo said Teodoro is planning to have a meeting with Manzano to discuss the matter.

Manzano was Lakas-Kampi-CMD’s last choice as Teodoro’s running mate after Interior and Local Government Secretary Ronaldo Puno and Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla declined the offer.