Sec Puno’s entry into the race gets positive response

Secretary Ronnie Puno has been silently serving the government as secretary of the Department of Interior and Local Government so his decision recently came as a surprise to many. Though the name Ronnie Puno has been synonymous with campaigns since he did serve as a campaign manager for many personalities, still the name Puno doesn’t ring a bell when it comes to possible players to contest the 2010 elections.

But this changed with the announcement of the secretary himself when he announced that he is will be a candidate for next year’s national elections. You could say that most observers and voters was taken by surprise by the move of the secretary but for those in the know and the current players in the field, the decision of Secretary Puno can be expected. These political players and observers are one in saying that Puno is one competent leader, and he is welcome to the field. They are one in saying that his experience can be one of his biggest assets. And in the words of Puno himself, his experience will help him help the next president serve and also lead the country beyond 2010. Some of the personalities who commented on his decision were Senators Jinggoy Estrada and Juan Miguel Zubiri. The two said that the decision of Puno is a welcome development. Senator Estrada considers Puno as a ‘formidable opponent’ and in the view of Senator Zubiri, the entry of the secretary is one big boost to the ruling party.

Others are saying that the possible team up of Vice President De Castro and Secretary Puno can be considered a dream team since the two represents two important aspects- De Castro is known for his mass appeal and Secretary Puno is known for his political organization skills. Gilbert Teodoro who is also seeking the party’s blessing see the candidacy of Puno as strong and he added that the experience of the secretary will work in his favor. Teodoro has worked with Puno on the Sulu hostage crisis. Even members of the opposing party say good things about the Puno’s entry. Former Senator and Ambassador Maceda calls the move of Puno as a smart one.