Laban to coalesce with LP?

A year before the national and local elections, political parties are now busy in establishing coalition to ensure victory come the May 2004 elections.

For one, the Laban ng Demokratikong Pilipino (Laban)-Manila Chapter said it is willing to have a coalition with the Liberal Party (LP)-Manila Chapter headed by Manila Mayor Lito Atienza.

If the coalition pushes through, Councilor Don Bagatsing, chairman of the Laban-Manila Chapter, said Laban-LP would be unbeatable in the 2004 elections.

He claimed that Laban is the largest opposition party in the country’s capital.

Bagatsing from the city’s Fourth District vowed to support Atienza’s bid for reelection.

"Laban will definitely support Atienza’s bid for reelection," said Bagatsing.

"He is the best man for the job and his Buyahin ang Maynila has yet reached full realization."

In supporting Atienza, Bagatsing, the City Council minority leader, said Laban has had a critical collaboration with the Atienza administration, which helped in the dramatic upturn in many controversial issues.

Among them were the constructions of buildings for the local Department of Education (DepEd) and the City College of Manila, respectively, in Arroceros Park and the Mehan Gardens.

Bagatsing said Laban helped the Atienza administration in pushing for the return of police control to local government units.

"The bipartisan support has benefited Manila residents," he said.

Sources, however, said there were also talks around the city that Bagatsing might be the running mate of Atienza, who is on his third and last term.

But political observers said running as vice mayor for Bagatsing might not be that easy as Vice Mayor Danilo Lacuna, who is also on his third and last term, has yet to decide whether to vie for mayor or settle and finish his third term.