Malacañang has asked Vice President Noli de Castro to break his silence and formally signify his interest to join the administration party.

Presidential adviser for political affairs Gabriel Claudio, now acting Executive Secretary, said it is about time for De Castro to bare his plan of joining the Lakas-Kabalikat ng Malayang Pilipino (Kampi)-Christian Muslim Democrats (CMD) party.

“I think the logical move for him is to join up the administration party formally,” he told in a press briefing.

Claudio, party’s secretary general, said the call is not meant to pressure the vice president in spilling out his political plans. “He is probably relying on his political instincts. We are hoping that he is mindful of the anxieties of the members of party and of the schedule being followed by the party,” he said.

“You can suspend your decision or declaration up to only certain point at baka mainip na ang mga tao,” he added.

De Castro earlier attributed his low survey ratings to his delayed announcement of his political plans.

Claudio said right after the return of Executive Ermita, party’s interim president who is now in the United States to accompany the President in her four-city trip, the national executive committee of Mrs. Arroyo’s party will soon convene to assess the political situation and finalize the criteria in choosing the standard bearer.

De Castro and Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro are being eyed as administration’s presidential bets.

“We will gather the leaders in regional level and bring our presidential aspirants to meet with the members of the party in the grassroots level,” Claudio said.

He also bared that “90 percent sure” that eight of the cabinet members are seeking for elective posts in next year’s elections, but he refused to name names. (Charissa M. Luci)