Barbers: Teaming GMA with outsider in 2004 to split Lakas

 Sen. Robert Barbers said yesterday that the plan of President Arroyo’s political advisers to team her up with an outsider will split the administration Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas-CMD).

Barbers, who announced on Wednesday his intention to run for vice president as Mrs. Arroyo’s running mate, said that the "behind the scene" deal involving a handful of the President’s political advisers "could stir up dissent among the majority and loyal members of Lakas."

"I see a hand manipulating the political configuration to include an outsider into the selection process to be the running mate of the President. It seems that proven track record of competence, not to mention loyalty to the party, has taken a backseat to mere popularity," Barbers said.

Earlier reports have floated the possible selection of Sen. Noli de Castro as the running mate of Mrs. Arroyo.

Barbers stressed that merely topping the survey is not a "fool-proof barometer" for a candidate to effectively serve the people.

"Popularity alone is not enough antidote to resolve the deteriorating peace and order problem of the country," Barbers said.

He warned that if the brewing party crisis is not resolved soon, the ruling party is headed for a possible meltdown.

"Disgruntled loyal members may take the cue from Sen. Rodolfo Biazon, who recently took a leave of absence from the opposition party," Barbers said.

He explained that a loyal party member will abide by the results of the selection process as long as the majority of members are properly informed about the guidelines used in making the decision.

Barbers said that his quest for the vice presidency is already in full swing and he is confident he will be chosen as Mrs. Arroyo’s running mate.

As a vice presidential contender, he said he will be complementing the economic expertise of Mrs. Arroyo with his vast experience in combating crime, illegal drugs and terrorism.

Meanwhile, Barbers’ son, Lakas Rep. Robert Ace Barbers (Surigao del Norte), said that the Liberal Party is making a move to divide the ruling coalition by considering fielding De Castro as its presidential candidate and Senate President Franklin Drilon as his vice president in the May 2004 elections.

He said no less than LP president Florencio Butch Abad has indicated that they are willing to field their own presidential line-up.

This is a divisive move and an insult to Mrs. Arroyo who is the leader of the ruling People Power Coalition (PPC).

The LP, together with former education secretary Raul Roco’s Aksyon Demokratiko and Lito Osmeña’s Promdi, formed part of the PPC in the last elections. However, Aksyon and Promdi bolted from the ruling coalition leaving behind LP and Lakas-CMD in the PPC.

The young Barbers has appealed to Abad to stop making moves that will further divide the ruling coalition.

"At this point in time what we need is unity not division among ourselves," he said. — Perseus Echeminada