'Sans FVR, Lakas, Kampi to survive'

MANILA, Philippines - Malacañang yesterday said that the merged Lakas-Kampi-CMD party would survive even without the leadership of former President Fidel Ramos.

Ramos rejected the post of chairman emeritus offered to him by President Arroyo, chair of the Lakas-Kampi-CMD.

Presidential Adviser for Political Affairs Gabriel Claudio said the administration coalition and the Lakas-Kampi-CMD were not bothered by Ramos’ move.

“We have been open to him (Ramos) and the dialogue and discussions on the merger took nearly two years and we did not get any opposition or comment (from him),” Claudio said yesterday.

Press Secretary Cerge Remonde said Mrs. Arroyo “has taken all of these in stride.”

“She trusts that the former president will continue to be of help to her administration and as you know our President has kept herself above these political issues because she needs to focus on the more important aspects of governance, especially the economy and delivery of basic services,” Remonde said in a news briefing yesterday.

When asked whether the ruling coalition would survive without Ramos, Remonde said: “Of course we do not want to do without FVR, I mean FVR is one of the respected, one of the finest leaders of our country and definitely we really want to have him on the administration team in the 2010 elections.

“But in case for one reason or another, the former president may have his own plans, I think… the administration coalition has more than 80 percent of mayors, governors, and congressmen and these great majority of local leaders ensures that the admin coalition still has the biggest political machinery in the 2010 elections,” he said.

When asked the same question, Claudio said: “It’s difficult to contemplate a party that bears the name of Lakas without FVR.

“I’m sure this is something we can talk over. We will listen to him as I’m sure he will also acknowledge the overwhelming support of the Lakas and Kampi members for the merger. The misunderstanding, I believe, is merely on procedure,” he said.

Meanwhile, Ramos’ media coordinator Ed Malay said yesterday the former leader is not forming a new coalition and is not encouraging Lakas-CMD members to bolt the merged party.

“Please be advised that FVR is just acting on his own and is not trying to convince Lakas-CMD members to stick to Lakas and stay away from the Lakas-Kampi. FVR merely turned down any role in the merged party because the Lakas party rules were not observed,” Malay said.

“That’s all there is to it. FVR is not forming a new coalition and will stay on as Lakas-CMD chair emeritus… all reports that say otherwise are disinformation,” he said.

Ramos on Tuesday wrote a letter to President Arroyo that he was declining the post in protest of the merger that was done without consultations with the national directorate of Lakas-CMD.

Ramos co-founded the party with Pangasinan Rep. Jose de Venecia Jr. in 1992. Prior to the merger in May this year, Mrs. Arroyo chaired the party.