Bong: Lakas still a force to reckon with in 2013

MANILA, Philippines - Sen. Ramon Revilla Jr. vowed yesterday that the Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas-CMD) would stage a comeback in next year’s midterm polls, despite being routed in the 2010 elections.

Revilla, who was unanimously elected chairman of the party’s council of advisers yesterday, said Lakas-CMD has weathered various crises and produced two presidents that put the country on the path to growth.

“In the past months, the party was hit and belittled. The campaign period appears to have started with early preparations for the 2013 and 2016 elections. They said Lakas is politically dead, they’re wrong,” Revilla said in Filipino before 150 Lakas-CMD officials and members composed of lawmakers and local officials.

“Instead of focusing on serving our countrymen and fulfilling their mandate, they (political opponents) are busy politicking and playing dirty tricks,” he said.

“We are not like banana leaves that sway where the wind blows. The Lakas party is a strong and sturdy tree with deep roots because of its principle of being pro-God, pro-people, pro-Philippines and pro-environment,” he added.

Despite being an opposition party, Lakas can be expected to give “pro-active” support to the Aquino administration, he said.

“We won’t give them a headache,” Revilla said, adding that while Lakas-CMD is quiet, it remains organized and a force to reckon with.

He said the party has “an undeniable track record, a great history and tradition and they will continue their legacy.” 

He also cited the accomplishments of former Presidents Fidel Ramos and Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

Revilla’s election as chairman and president eased out the ailing Arroyo, who is detained at the Veterans Memorial Medical Center on charges of electoral sabotage.

The party likewise dropped the name “Kampi,” which was formerly attached to the partyname. Kampi stands for Kabalikat ng Malayang Pilipino, founded by Arroyo and some political allies in 1997.

Revilla said that the party presently has only one senatorial candidate, Zambales Rep. Milagros Magsaysay. 

He said actress Alma Moreno, a former councilor of Parañaque City, signified intention to run for senator under Lakas.

House Minority Leader and Quezon Rep. Danilo Suarez said Lakas-CMD has the most number of elected officials next to the administration Liberal Party.

“We have command votes, we will not do mergers or form alliances, only reciprocities,” Suarez said, meaning that Lakas-CMD will support some senatorial bets of other parties in exchange for backing of their own candidates.