By Jaime Pilapil

Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. made a surprise announcement yesterday, saying he would join the 2010 presidential race. But first, he said he has to obtain the endorsement of President Arroyo and the ruling coalition led by Lakas Christian Muslim Democrats.

Teodoro said he was submitting himself to the process of choosing the administration standard-bearer even as other major parties had invited him to join their ranks.

?What is definite is that I am joining whatever the procedure of the administration in choosing the 2010 presidential standard-bearer. In this way, I am committed to the rules of the game such as the democratic process of selection,? Teodoro told reporters at the sideline of the Philippine Army?s 6th Senior Leaders? Conference at Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.

Asked to comment on the observation that joining the administration is a kiss of death, Teodoro said that is the view of the opposition. But the truth is the Arroyo administration is doing well, he said.

?President Arroyo is doing what is right. Why should I be ashamed or turn against her,? Teodoro said. ?I belong to the administration house. Therefore, the blessing of the President is needed.?

Teodoro is a member of the Nationalist People?s Coalition whose titular head is his uncle, business tycoon Eduardo ?Danding? Cojuangco, chairman of San Miguel group of companies.

Asked if the blessing of his uncle is crucial, Teodoro said what is important is that the entire administration machinery will support his candidacy.

Meanwhile, Teodoro also boldly said that he will abide by the administration coalition?s decision if ever he will not be chosen.

Teodoro also enumerated three major issues, which he said he would include in his platform of government.

These are the review of the Constitution, fiscal reforms and ?soft? and ?hard? approaches to peace and security.

Teodoro said the ruling party?s political machinery will be his vehicle to Malaca?ang, rejecting the notion that a presidential candidate would need at least P1 billion to mount a campaign.

Apart from Teodoro, other names on Lakas? list of potential standard-bearer include Vice President Noli de Castro, Metro Manila Development Authority Chairman Bayani Fernando and Quezon City Mayor Feliciano Belmonte.

Senator Francis Escudero has also emerged as potential standard-bearer of Kampi, another party allied with President Arroyo. Kampi stalwarts said an Escudero-led ticket in 2010 is an option especially if merger talks with Lakas fails.

Escudero, like Teodoro, is a member of NPC, which is also a part of the ruling Lakas coalition.