DAVAO CITY — House Speaker Prospero Nograles said he is not leaving Lakas-Kampi-CMD but is inclined to support Nacionalista Party standard bearer Senator Manuel Villar Jr.

Interviewed by reporters at the Waterfront Insular Hotel last Sunday, Nograles said he sees nothing beneficial to his campaign if he decides to come out and support Villar.

Nograles said he is seriously “considering Villar” but said he would still meet with his leaders in Davao City before making a final commitment on who among the four front runners in the presidential race he would support.

“Why will I leave Lakas? I am president (of the party), just like other Lakas members we are still with Lakas who support other candidates. I told them, after the elections we could regroup because everybody is in the province or in the district (campaigning),” Nograles said.

Nograles earlier threatened to bolt Lakas after a “fall out” with administration candidate Gilbert Teodoro.

But he said he is not going to dictate his choice on other Lakas members.

“We can reconcile, kung may gusto mag-Erap, mag-Gibo hindi ko sila pipigilan. Ako, I will make by choice also. That’s why I need a meeting with them,” he said.

“My style even as a Speaker, I am collegial. I am a consensus builder. Pag naka build na nang concensus at nakita ko na ganito papunta ang marami, baka dun na rin ako. (If I am able to build a consensus and I see many people going in that direction then I would go that way too),” Nograles said.

Nograles said that at the moment he is focusing on his mayoralty campaign to defeat Mayor Duterte’s daughter Sara. Duterte is supporting Liberal Party standard bearer Sen. Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III.

“I can only talk for myself, I will not meddle in the national campaign. I will concentrate on the local,” he said.

“Wala kasi ako nakikitang (I don’t see any) need for me to come out in the open. What will it do to my candidacy? Wala akong nakikitang (I don’t see any) value added,” Nograles said.