TAGUM CITY, Philippines?Another Lakas stalwart formally announced his resignation from the party as he firmed up support for Nacionalista Party standard-bearer Manny Villar.

Governor Arturo Uy of Compostela Valley on Friday said his decision to leave President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo?s party stemmed from fractures within the party and standard-bearer Gilbert Teodoro?s dismal showing in surveys of voter preferences.

?This is a personal decision. It?s my choice to support another candidate and not Gibo,? Uy, the province?s Lakas chair, told reporters on the sidelines of the peace covenant signing by local candidates at the provincial capitol in Nabunturan town.

The governor said he has yet to decide on what party to join.

?As of now, I prefer being an independent politician,? he said.

Uy said he will also submit his resignation letter to provincial allies for their signature during a meeting on Sunday before sending it to the Lakas national headquarters in Manila.

He said after he has done so, ?it can be expected that I will be openly campaigning for Villar.?

Explaining further his decision, Uy cited recent developments in the party, which he said, ?caused dissatisfaction down the line, like Teodoro?s resignation as party chairman.?

?I have talked to other Lakas governors who said the party seems not serious in the campaign,? Uy said.

There was also the matter of insufficient campaign funds.

?We will respect whatever the governor?s decision would be? It?s also our personal choice that we remain with the administration party,? Board Member Maria Carmen Zamora-Apsay, daughter of Lakas Rep. Manuel Zamora, said.

Zamora-Apsay said Uy?s departure would not affect the local Lakas campaign.

But in Ozamiz City, former Lakas stalwart and Misamis Occidental Gov. Loreto Ocampos said the ruling party was disintegrating.

Ocampos, who had defected to the Liberal Party, said more Lakas politicians were expected to join other parties.

?By last week of April, we expect that some would be vocal already about their defection,? he said.

Like Uy, Ocampos said the main reason for the exodus was Teodoro?s dismal showing, the lack of funds and lack of technical support from national party officials.