Actor Edu Manzano may not be withdrawing as Lakas-Kampi-CMD vice presidential bet but the controversy his camp created over alleged deficiency of logistical support to his campaign triggered suspicions that there remains a crack in the merger of Lakas-CMD and the Kabalikat ng Malayang Pilipino.

The unity promised by leaders of the two parties who pushed for the merger has not materialized as indicated in the way the campaign of its national candidates is being run.

Lakas-CMD originals have been assigned to run the bid of Lakas-Kampi-CMD senatorial bets while Kampi personalities are behind the campaign of standard bearer Gilbert “Gibo” Teodoro Jr. and Manzano.

However, a party official defended the separate campaign operations as a correct move that would allow their candidates to reach a wider segment of their constituents.

Prospero Pichay Jr., administrator of the Local Water Utilities Administration explained that the “unique campaign strategy” has been agreed upon by majority of the merged parties’ leaders.

Pichay admitted that the two groups have separate campaign schedules, media and campaign staffs and headquarters.

Logistical support for the campaign is clearly separate for each group with Pichay claiming that Manzano’s complaint is not his problem but that of the person who recruited him to act as Teodoro’s running mate.

He was apparently referring to Local Government Secretary Ronaldo Puno, president of the now defunct Kampi.

Pichay claimed Teodoro and Manzano’s campaign operations are being run by Reginald Velasco, Kampi secretary general, while he is being assisted by former Lakas-CMD Executive Director Ray Roquero in running the senatoriables’ bids.

Unlike other political parties, the Lakas-Kampi-CMD national candidates are rarely seen in campaigns sorties as a group.

Two days after his camp aired displeasure over the lack of funding support from the party, Manzano appeared on television Friday to declare he is not quitting the vice presidential race.

“Hinding-hindi ako aatras sa laban, iyon ang aking [I will never quit from the fight, that is my) categorical statement,” Manzano told television host Arnold Clavio during the Unang Hirit program over GMA-7.

Manzano was with Teodoro when he issued the statement denying speculations he is quitting the face,

“In any election, candidates are never really contented with the support they get... it’s just natural to have misunderstandings sometimes,” Manzano said.