NP, NPC mum on possible Villar-Legarda tandem

Officials of the Nacionalista Party (NP) and the Nationalist People's Coalition (NPC) have remained mum on reports that they have already coalesced to launch a Villar-Legarda tandem for the 2010 elections. "We still do not have definitive plans as to how to approach the presidential derby. We are still consulting our members," said NPC spokesperson and Valenzuela City Rep. Rex Gatchalian in a text message sent to GMANews.TV on Tuesday. NP spokesperson Gilbert Remulla also remained tight-lipped on reports that NPC's Sen. Loren Legarda will be the vice presidential running mate of Sen. Manuel Villar Jr. who heads NP. He said the reports were mere "rumors and unconfirmed reports." Reports became rife that the two parties would forge a coalition after NPC's prospective presidential candidate, Sen. Francis "Chiz" Escudero, abruptly bolted the party last October 28, leaving Legarda without a running mate. [See: Chiz Escudero leaves NPC] Legarda is also neither confirming nor denying reports that she will become Villar's running mate. "I'm focusing on climate change. Politics can wait," said Legarda in a text message to GMANews.TV on Tuesday. Legarda is the principal author of the Climate Change Act, which creates a Climate Change Commission that will coordinate the programs of the government and represent the country in international climate change conferences. [See: Arroyo signs landmark climate change measure) - Jam Sisante, Amita Legaspi, Sophia Dedace, GMANews.TV