Philippines: Malacanang welcomes Gov. Panlilio's plan to join 2010 presidential derby.

Section: General News - Malacanang welcomed today the reported plan of Pampanga Gov. Ed Panlilio to join the presidential derby in 2010 as it would give voters a broader choice and enough time to scrutinize the track record of each presidential hopeful.

In a radio interview this morning, Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Reli Fajardo said Malacanang respects Panlilio's decision to run for the highest post in the land including his possible tandem with Isabela Gov. Grace Padaca.

Fajardo said the early announcement of anybody's plan to run for office is a healthy development that would …