Lakas, Kampi merge; 2010 polls on – GMA

MANILA, Philippines – Read her lips: elections will take place next year as scheduled. President Arroyo personally vouched for the holding of general elections next year during her speech on the merger of the country’s two largest political parties yesterday.

Mrs. Arroyo dismissed speculations of a no-election scenario, citing the preparations made by the administration in the merger of the ruling party Lakas-Christian and Muslim Democrats (Lakas-CMD) and the Kabalikat ng Malayang Pilipino (Kampi).

“Cynics and detractors love to paint grim scenarios about the cancellation of the 2010 elections. Let this merger of Lakas and Kampi be tangible proof of the administration’s readiness, nay determination, to help ensure that the elections do push through,” Mrs. Arroyo told the gathering at the Manila Hotel.

Mrs. Arroyo emphasized the holding of elections next year is a victory for the entire nation. “Let us achieve victory in the context and manner of clean and credible elections worthy of the Filipino’s democratic traditions,” she said. Mrs. Arroyo has kept her silence on the issue amid speculations of a cancellation of elections due to the efforts of administration allies at the House of Representatives to amend the Constitution.

Apart from signing the law on the automation of the country’s election process early this year, Mrs. Arroyo left it to her aides to issue statements assuring the public that elections will be held next year.

During the formal launching of the merger of the two political parties now called Lakas-Kampi-CMD, the President said the elections in 2010 will definitely push through. “After all, electoral reforms, especially automation, are a priority item in our administration’s 10-point agenda,” the President added.

Speaker Prospero Nograles, the prime mover in the efforts to amend the Constitution, expressed support for the merger. Nograles said that elections would take place next year notwithstanding efforts to tinker with the Constitution. He said Charter change efforts could simply taper off due to lack of time.

Guest candidates

Vice-President Noli De Castro, for his part, said he was merely invited to grace the affair.He denied allegations that arrangements are being made to include him in the shortlist of possible presidential candidates of the new party.

“Nothing yet. I cannot decide this early since the elections are still far away. Like I said, my options are open so why should I seek an endorsement (from the ruling party) this early. I have not made the decision to join the party,” De Castro told reporters.

De Castro insisted he was “one of the guests” and his presence in the gathering was his manifestation of his gratitude to the party leaders who supported him in the 2004 election.

“I know many await word on my political plans. I am studying my options and I believe there is a proper time to make known my decision for 2010, as I opt to continue doing my tasks as Vice President, Housing chief, OFW presidential adviser and Task Force Against Illegal Recruitment,” he said.

De Castro said he would not want his performance in the government in the coming months to be perceived as part of a campaign for the presidency.

Secretary Gilberto Teodoro, on the other hand, was more direct in his political plans. The former Tarlac congressman said he would “vigorously seek” the endorsement of President Arroyo as administration standard-bearer in the elections next year.

“I have no reason to feel ashamed about my association with the President and her administration. To me, it is only proper that I seek her blessings, first and foremost, because she is my boss,” he said.

Teodoro also called on the new party to adopt “acceptable and democratic” methods in choosing its presidential candidate. He advised all aspirants seeking the nomination of the ruling coalition and the President’s blessings “not to be ashamed of making public their intentions because there is no need for anyone to be hypocritical about it.”

Although admitting his dismal survey ratings, Teodoro said that if he is named the administration standard-bearer, his political chances would definitely improve.

Philstar

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2. Gibo quits as Lakas-Kampi chair to focus on campaign
3. Lakas-Kampi defections: ‘Villaroyo’ or ‘Gloriaquino’?
4. FVR, Lakas-CMD 'originals' regroup
5. FVR slams party merger
6. Palace unfazed by Noynoy's bid
7. House Speaker Nograles: I’m not bolting Lakas
8. Arroyo's 2010 plans baffle allies
9. Gibo’s secret weapon? Unopposed Lakas mayors have 1.3 M votes
10. FVR: Arroyo stepping down in 2010 'mandatory'

Tags: 2010, Elections, Gilberto Teodoro, Kampi, Lakas-Christian and Muslim Democrats, Lakas-CMD, Lakas-Kampi-CMD, Noli de Castro, president arroyo