GMA begins meeting with senators after conflict over Gonzales

The fence-mending has begun, with President Arroyo mending with the senators.

The President herself said yesterday she had dinner with Sen. Ralph Recto the other night, though she did not give any details.

"He wants to send his apologies for not being able to come today (Thursday) because it’s Ate Vi’s birthday. So let us all greet (Lipa City) Mayor Vilma Santos," the President said referring to Recto’s wife.

The President was in Batangas, Recto’s home province and bailiwick, yesterday for the symbolic inauguration of power lines, a sub-station, bridges and a multi-purpose gymnasium in San Juan town, Batangas.

Press Secretary Ignacio Bunye said he did not have details of the meeting but said that the President had "always extended her hand not only to those who are from the opposite camp but especially to those who are already within the administration group."

Ties between the Palace and the Senate were strained after the chamber cited National Security Adviser Norberto Gonzales in contempt and detained him for refusing to answer questions on the contract he signed with the American lobby firm Venable LLP.

Even before this, however, Recto reportedly turned down Palace invitations for socials during the deliberations on the expanded value added tax (EVAT), apparently to avoid being influenced on the issue.

The President was also said to have had dinner with several pro-administration senators who had been at odds with her over Gonzales and Executive Order No. 464, which she issued as a result of the Senate’s detention of Gonzales.

The order prevents government, police and military officials from appearing before Congress without her consent. — Aurea Calica