GMA still the bet to beat in ’04 - Solon

An opposition stalwart admitted yesterday that President Arroyo would still be the candidate to reckon with in the May 2004 presidential elections.

House Minority Leader Carlos Padilla said the ragtag opposition would have no chance to recapture political power unless they unify and field a common candidate.

Padilla, chairman of the Laban ng Demokratikong Pilipino (LDP) for Cagayan Valley, said the only chance to beat Mrs. Arroyo "in the light of a formidable administration is unity."

Padilla pointed out that even in a one-one-one fight, the ruling party’s bet will have the advantage.

He called on the various opposition parties to set up a selection process for a common presidential candidate to strengthen their fighting chance.

"They should get their act together," Padilla said, apparently referring to the such presidential aspirants as Senators Edgardo Angara and Panfilo Lacson and former Education Secretary Raul Roco.

Padilla also predicted that even movie action king Fernando Poe Jr. would fail in a three-cornered presidential contest.

"A common candidate against her has a good fighting chance," he said, adding that a plurality of opposition bets would merely ensure Mrs. Arroyo’s victory. – Charlie Lagasca