Speaker Prospero Nograles on Monday slammed the administration-backed Lakas-Kampi-CMD for going “out of control” as he confirmed he is seriously considering bolting out of the political party he used to head as president.

This developed as Senior Assistant Majority Leader Neptali Gonzales II, another stalwart of the ruling party, quit Lakas-Kampi-CMD and later took his oath as new member of the Liberal Party (LP) last Monday.

While Nograles’ top advisers confirmed that the House leader has prepared his resignation papers, the Speaker appeared to entertain second thoughts about actually abandoning the ruling party and cutting political ties with close ally, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

His resignation could trigger a mass resignation of an estimated 20 original Lakas-Christian-Muslim-Democrat party members who have been given key posts in the Lower House by the Speaker.

“The administration party is out of control. It is in total disarray contrary to what is being bandied about in the media,” said Nograles, who stands next to Arroyo as among the senior party members occupying positions in the government hierarchy.

The House leader complained of being snubbed several times by the party leadership despite the fact that he remains a party vice chairman and member of the national executive committee which met recently without inviting him.

Nograles revealed he has not yet made up his mind on who to support for president but admitted that Nacionalista Party standard-bearer, Sen. Manuel Villar is a “viable option.”

Expected to follow Nograles' resignation is Majority Leader Arthur Defensor. Gonzales has already resigned and joined the LP.

Defensor, who is campaigning for the gubernatorial seat in Iloilo, appeared to be tentative in supporting Teodoro.

The itinerary for Teodoro’s campaign in Iloilo this afternoon did not mention Defensor’s participation. However, former justice secretary Raul Gonzales is set to accompany Teodoro and the Lakas-Kampi-CMD national ticket in a motorcade in Iloilo City this afternoon.

“Hilong-hilo na kami sa nangyayari sa partido. Even as a senior officer of the party, I hardly know what's happening because they make decisions without the courtesy of even briefing us. Kahit man lang tawag sana para hindi naman kami nagugulat sa mga lalabas na balita kinabukasan. Now what's the use of being with the administration party? I don't even get any text, saying hi or hello from our party standard-bearer?” said Nograles.

Nograles main beef appeared to be Teodoro’s alleged decision to designate Presidential Assistant for Special Projects Madeline “Bebot” Marfori to manage his presidential campaign in Davao City.

The House leader said Marfori is a staunch supporter of Mayor Rodrigo Duterte and his daughter, Vice Mayor Sara Duterte who is running against him for mayor in Davao City.

“Who are they trying to fool? It is an open secret in Davao City that the Marforis are for the Dutertes and for Noynoy and yet the party appoints a Marfori as their pointman? I can only sympathize with Gibo because in the final analysis, he is counting on people with other interests other than to make him win his fight,” Nograles said.

Nograles’ grumbling may be a shocker to many but is actually not a surprise to some Dabawenyos who have been expecting such move since last month

In an interview Monday, Marfori said that she is not supporting any local politician. She said she is only for Gibo and no one else. Marfori added that she is neither a Lakas member, thus she should not be blamed for Nograles’ woes.

“It’s his choice, bahala sya dyan. I am not a Lakas member. I am only for Gibo, wala akong sinusuportahan sa local politics,” Marfori said.

But Marfori’s cousin-in-law, Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. President Simeon Marfori, had declared his support to the presidential bid of Senator Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III last week. Marfori's brother-in-law and University of Mindanao owner Willy Torres is also a supporter of the Dutertes.

The Dizons are also known supporters of the Dutertes.

In reaction, Lakas-Kampi-CMD Chairman Deputy Speaker Ma. Amelita Villarosa said she will look into Nograles’ complaint. “I can’t comment on Marfori. As far as I am concerned, Gibo was given the free hand to choose people with whom he is comfortable with to help him run the presidential campaign,” said Villarosa.

Cavite Rep. Elpidio Barzaga maintained that the ruling party will remain solid for Teodoro, adding that the party members that remained loyal to the party have already set aside personal interest for the greater good of the country which is to catapult its standard bearer to the presidency.

“The general perception is that Teodoro is the most qualified candidate with a complete vision for the entire country,” said Barzaga, Lakas-Kampi-CMD Cavite provincial chairman.

Party spokesman and Davao del Sur Rep. Antonio Lagdameo said Lakas-Kampi-CMD will respect the decision of Nograles but will remain faithful in supporting Teodoro, Manzano and the six-man senatorial ticket win in May 10.

Nograles cried foul over Teodoro’s failure to seek his help or even invite him during a campaign sortie the Lakas-Kampi-CMD presidential bet staged in Davao City.

He also felt insulted when the national executive committee of the party met last week without “even extending the courtesy” of inviting him.

“I'm a senior party member and they only want to use me for their convenience? I think that is foul. I have been a good soldier but I also deserve some respect,” Nograles said as he denied insinuations that the non-release of funds was the reason for his plan to sever ties with his party.

Meanwhile, Gonzales took his oath before Aquino, vice presidential bet Senator Manuel “Mar” Roxas II, Senator Francis Pangilinan, and former Senate president and now senatorial bet Franklin Drilon.

Gonzales, who is running for re-election unopposed in the lone district of Mandaluyong City, said his decision was a personal one, citing long ties of his family with the LP which was then led by the senators Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino and Gerry Roxas. His father, the late Senator Neptali Gonzales, became an LP member way back in the ‘60s when Ninoy and Gerry were preparing for the presidential elections.

Later on his father joined United Nationalists Democratic Organizations (UNIDO) in 1984 until it became the official party of the late President Corazon Aquino in the 1986 snap elections.

Under Cory, the elder Gonzales became secretary of justice and later on as senator.

Gonzales said he tendered his resignation last week with new Lakas-Kampi-CMD Chairman Rep. Amelita Villarosa.

Aside from his family’s affiliation with LP, Gonzales admitted that Teodoro came late into the game causing further confusion and disarray among party members.

“It’s not easy to leave Lakas which I have been a member for the past 15 years, I went on a soul searching to reach a decision,” he said.

“When I heard that Gibo is coming to Mandaluyong on April 16 I did not want to be caught in a quandary of raising his hands when I am already with LP,” he said. (With a report from Ben O. Tesiorna)