VIGAN CITY, Ilocos Sur – The presidential bid of Nacionalista Party standard-bearer Sen. Manny Villar got a big boost Sunday after gubernatorial candidate and political kingpin Luis “Chavit” Singson bared that he had already resigned from the Lakas-Kampi-CMD party to support the NP bet.

A highly-respected political leader here, Singson who is known for his command vote said that all the Lakas-Kampi-CMD local leaders in the province will follow suit in the coming days to throw their support to Villar whom he described as an emerging strong presidential candidate. Asked by newsmen what party he belongs now, Singson said in a jest that he will be under the “Lakas-loob” party for the meantime.

Singson’s decision to leave Lakas-Kampi-CMD came following consultations with his local leaders in the province, who apparently wanted to support the NP presidential candidate.

While Singson is a close friend of Villar, the Ilocos political leader said his decision to resign from Lakas-Kampi-CMD was brought about by the consensus of the majority of local leaders – from mayors down to barangay officials – who preferred Villar.

“If the people want Villar, then who am I not to follow the decision of the majority of our people,” Singson said.

It was learned that Ilocanos regard Villar in high esteem due to his pro-poor stand and his ability to deal with them.

The defection of Singson, known for having an army of political followers who are ready to follow his wishes, to Villar’s camp is a big setback for administration presidential candidate Gilbert Teodoro, local political observers said.