Palace denies loyalty check in coalition

Amid separate pronouncements and preparations for the next year’s elections, Malacañang said yesterday no loyalty check would be carried out on members of the ruling coalition.

Officials, however, did not discount the possibility that some administration stalwarts might bolt and join the opposition.

Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita warned that those planning to bolt the majority coalition will suffer the consequences of their decision.

But Ermita said the administration will not retaliate against stalwarts who will decide to go over to the opposition for next year’s polls.

"We’re very confident about where we stand, we don’t need to conduct a so-called loyalty check anyway after all everyone would suffer their own consequences or benefit from their decision. That’s politics," Ermita said.

Ermita made the statement after former President Joseph Estrada bared the opposition’s senatorial lineup, which includes four from the administration - Senate President Manuel Villar Jr., Senators Francis Pangilinan, Ralph Recto and former senator John Osmeña.

Ermita said Malacañang is not affected by Estrada’s disclosure, claiming some from the administration are not even aware they were included.

Ermita described Recto as a ranking member of Lakas and a "very loyal" party official.

Ermita maintained the ruling coalition has "a deep bench" of possible candidates for the national and local elections next year.

When asked whether the coalition would remain intact until the elections, he said: "There’s no such thing as guarantees."

"Even your party mates might lose their way. We don’t know. Many positions and convictions change, in one day or six hours before the final thing," he said.

Ermita stressed changeovers is a big possibility with some party leaders going over to the opposition at the last minute. — With Delon Porcalla