Lakas-Kampi-CMD senatorial candidate Silvestre “Bebot” Bello III Tuesday expressed dismay over the defection of Bukidnon Governor Jose Ma. Zubiri along with 22 other mayors from the administration party although he said it will likely not affect the chances of victory of their presidential bet Gilberto “Gibo” Teodoro Jr. in the May 10 elections.

In a statement, Bello said he was saddened by the decision of Bukidnon Governor Jose Ma. Zubiri tagging along 22 mayors who reportedly abandoned the Lakas-Kampi-CMD to support the camp of Nacionalista Party presidential bet Manuel “Manny” Villar.

"Anybody loyal to the Lakas party can call it a good riddance but we respect their decision to leave but we will make sure the move was something regrettable," said Bello.

NP officials said that the 70-year-old Zubiri, father of Sen. Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri who is also a Lakas-Kampi-CMD member, will welcome Villar when the NP candidate arrives in Bukidnon for their provincial sorties on Monday, March 29.

Zubiri is now on his last term as governor of Bukidnon.

But Bello quickly asserted that the move could be beneficial to the administration since they are able to know this early who among their party members could be banked on once the local campaign starts on March 26.

Bello said the reason why the group of Zubiri could have probably left is the recent survey results showing that Villar is leading the presidential race.

But he assured Lakas supporters that the candidacy of the administration bets headed by Gilberto 'Gibo' Teodoro will not be affected with the decision of some party members to leave.

He added that they still have enough force at the local level to work for the victory of Teodoro and the rest of the Lakas-Kampi-CMD bets.