MANILA - Some local officials in Batangas province were formally sworn in to Lakas-Kampi CMD by former National Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr., the administration party’s presidential bet Monday.

The oath-taking ceremony was held at the University of Batangas.

Local officials who attended include incumbent mayors of 5 towns in the province - San Pascual, Tingloy, Mabini, Balayan and Nasugbu – and the mayor of Batangas City. Also present were Congresswoman Vicky Reyes of the province’s 3rd district, Congresswoman Eileen-Ermita Buhain of the 1st district and other aspiring candidates for the 2010 elections.

The oath-taking was conducted on the same day that Batangas Gov. Vilma Santos-Recto decided to join Sen. Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III in the Liberal Party after being a member of Lakas for years.

Teodoro said it is unfortunate that Recto left Lakas.

“Unfortunately things like that happen but it allows us to start afresh na may bagong paninimulan na partido dito?” he said.

Also present were Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita and his son, Edwin, who was Recto’s running mate during the 2007 elections. The younger Ermita confirmed he is running against the incumbent Vice-Gov. Marc Leviste in 2010 who Recto declared as her new running mate for the 2010 elections.

“Sa pulitika naman anything can happen. I respect the decision of the governor. Siguro tingnan na lang natin sa 2010 kung anong mangayayari?” the younger Ermita said.

Meanwhile, former justice secretary Hernani Perez said he has no plans of re-entering politics. He said he already has a lot on his plate as president of University of Batangas.

Instead he left a message for President Arroyo who is set to end her term on June 30, 2010.

“Sa dati kong pinaglingkuran, ang masasabi ko’y Good Luck! at mararanasan niya iyong mga dati niyang tinulungan ay unang-unang tatalikod sa kanya, pero hindi ako kasama doon,” Perez said.