LP inducts more new members, including son of LDP founder

Taking another step towards its goal of becoming the dominant political force by 2010, the Liberal Party (LP) will formally take in six "prize catches" to coincide with its 58th founding anniversary today at the historic Plaza Miranda in Manila.

Among the so-called prize catches to be formally sworn to the ranks of the Liberals include Palawan Rep. Abraham Mitra, Muntinlupa City Rep. Rufino Biazon, erstwhile stalwarts of the opposition Laban ng Demokratikong Pilipino (LDP).

Also formally joining the Liberals are Naga City Mayor Jessie Robredo, Camarines Sur Rep. Rolando Andaya Jr., Malabon-Navotas Rep. Federico Sandoval and his father Palawan Rep. Vicente Sandoval, all from the ruling Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats.

Camarines Sur Rep. Felix Alfelor and Bataan Rep. Antonio Roman were earlier reported to join LP but this could not be confirmed.

LP president Batanes Rep. Florencio Abad said they are gearing up to be a stand-alone party in the coming years.

The LP, one of the oldest political institutions in the country, is among the political parties allied with Lakas under the "Sunshine Coalition" of Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr. at the House of Representatives.

"The days of being a junior party in a ruling coalition are numbered," Abad said. "We want to become a stand alone party to be reckoned with."

Even as their coalition with Lakas stayed, the LP began flexing its muscles last year at the height of the impeachment crisis where it mustered support for Supreme Court Chief Justice Hilario Davide Jr.

The LP has also endorsed President Arroyo’s bid to seek a full six-year term in the May 10 elections.

Abad said it plans to claim at least 50 seats in the House in the coming Congress and field its own presidential candidate by the year 2010.

With LP chairman Senate President Franklin Drilon at the helm of the Senate leadership, Abad said the party has also plans "competing for the speakership (of the House)."

Mitra, for his part, said his father, the late Speaker Ramon Mitra, was a Liberal before becoming one of the founders of the LDP.

He said his father was among those who were wounded by a grenade blast that rocked the LP’s miting de avance in Plaza Miranda in August 1971.

The Palawan lawmaker said the LP will be his last party and it will be a historic moment for him to be sworn in at the same place where his father was among those wounded in a grenade blast over three decades ago.

"I’m joining the Liberal. I am also following my father’s advice on what to look for in a political party: It must not only preach democracy but must practice it," Mitra said.

Mitra and Biazon left the LDP last year over differences with party chairman Sen. Edgardo Angara.

The LP expansion has also put a serious dent to the presidential bid of former education secretary Raul Roco since one of the new Liberals, Robredo, is from his political bailiwick in the Bicol region.