MANILA, Philippines--More than 40 officials in Pasig City Wednesday left the ruling Lakas-Kampi-CMD party to throw their support behind Sen. Manny Villar, the presidential candidate of the Nacionalista Party (NP).

The officials were led by Pasig Mayor Robert Eusebio and Vice Mayor Rosalio “Yoyong” Martirez who were sworn in as NP members in a ceremony held at the city’s Tanghalang Pasigeño.

Villar, meanwhile, said that more local officials in Metro Manila were expected to defect to his party before the elections next year.

“There are still more people [joining] the party. Surprise na lang (It will be a surprise),” the senator said when reporters asked him to identify some of the officials.

Leadership skills

Eusebio told reporters that he and the other city officials joined the NP because they strongly believed in Villar’s leadership abilities.

He added that although former Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro, the presidential candidate of the ruling party, was his close friend, he and the others chose to side with Villar.

“We think it is only right to give our support to the one who has the capability to lead the country. The country deserves someone with experience,” Eusebio said.

He added that he and the other city officials believe that Villar could help Pasig reach its economic goals beyond 2010.

Eusebio was a member of President Macapagal-Arroyo’s Kampi party for two years.

Villar, for his part, said the inclusion of Pasig City officials in the NP has strengthened the party.

In the last few weeks, prominent members of the ruling Lakas-Kampi-CMD party have been defecting to other parties.

They included Quezon City Mayor Feliciano Belmonte and his vice mayor, Herbert Bautista, and Caloocan Mayor Enrico “Recom” Echiverri who all joined the Liberal Party.