“Definitely, (there is) no turning back. It’s either for President or farming.”

This was the statement of Public Works Secretary Hermogenes Ebdane Jr. about his presidential bid for the May 2010 elections, even is he not running under the administration’s party Lakas-Kampi-CMD.

“We have a political party, (but) I cannot announce the name yet,” Ebdane said, when asked by reporters under what political party he will represent since Defense Secretary Gilbert “Gibo” Teodoro has been chosen as the standard-bearer of Lakas-Kampi-CMD.

Ebdane stood his ground that nothing will make him change his mind about seeking the presidency, reiterating that various groups in Mindanao and other areas had pledged to help his candidacy.

“People decided for me (to run).” Ebdane said, at the sideline of the Mindanao Leaders’ Congress recently held in Tagum City, Davao del Norte.

Also, according to him, there is “a growing number of Cabinet officials who are expressing support” for his candidacy.

Ebdane said he talked to President Arroyo about his interest in seeking higher office although he did not categorically say that she is in support of him.“When I told the President about my plan to run for president, she did not discourage me to do it.”