PHILIPPINES: RULING PARTY CHOOSES NEW PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE

English/Nat Philippines President Fidel Ramos' ruling party on Sunday began the difficult task of selecting its next presidential candidate from among eight contenders. Ramos has backed off from any suggestion he might seek a second term after his present six years end next June. His supporters wanted to amend the constitution to allow him to do so, but the plan touched off a public uproar. There was an air of camaraderie as the eight presidential hopefuls of President Fidel Ramos' Lakas-N-U-C-D (Power-National Union of Christian Democrats) stood together on Sunday. They gave the thumbs-up sign to photographers during the first of two consultative assemblies being conducted by the party. Hundreds of local officials affiliated with the party gathered for the first meeting at a hotel in the capital's financial district. President Ramos himself was in attendance. UPSOUND: Smile, smile... (then Ramos starts laughing) Ramos jokingly admonished the party's eight presidential aspirants, who were given 10 minutes each to explain their government programs to the party members. Ramos has asked all contenders to sign a covenant binding them to support the eventual nominee. SOUNDBITE: (English) "That the ruling party is taking the high moral ground and the high moral road of continuing democratic, social, economic, cultural and political reform which have been responsible for our people's progress during these past five years of the Ramos presidency." SUPER CAPTION: Fidel V. Ramos Philippines President One of the leading contenders is House Speaker Jose de Venecia. He is known to command a large following among party members and to have made extensive preparations and financial investment for his candidacy. SOUNDBITE: (English) "I think that with God's blessings, and the help of the delegates, we will win the consultations, and we will win the elections, based on our humble politics of achievement, and our record of politics of performance." SUPER CAPTION: Jose de Venecia, Speaker , Lakas-NUCD presidential aspirant The other leading contender is former Defence Secretary Renato de Villa, who is relatively new in politics but has been closely identified with Ramos, both being former generals. SOUNDBITE: (English) "As I see it my dear friends, we must focus on two major strategies: one, we must wage a people's war against crime, drugs and corruption in the pursuit of genuine peace and order in our society. Two, we must build a people's economy where no Filipino family is left behind. SUPER CAPTION: Renato de Villa, Former Defence Secretary, Lakas-NUCD presidential aspirant Early returns from the initial voting reportedly indicated a tight race between de Venecia and de Villa, but other hopefuls are still confident that they can make it. SOUNDBITE: (English) " Well, because I think that many people are looking for new leadership, a new face into the new century, and a politics that is based on solid performance." SUPER CAPTION: Roberto de Ocampo, Finance Secretary, Lakas-NUCD presidential aspirant Whoever is chosen by the party will be up against formidable opposition candidates. Vice President Joseph Estrada, a former movie star who has consistently led in popularity surveys, and popular Senator Gloria Arroyo are running with the backing of newly formed parties. However an endorsement by Ramos and access to the governing party's nationwide political machinery, could provide a crucial advantage. Ramos is expected to announce the party's choice after the second party polls later this month. You can license this story through AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/metadata/youtube/281c3655c5ba00bfa1e5814deb5739c0 Find out more about AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/HowWeWork