|
By William B. Depasupil, Reporter
OFFICIALS of the country’s two most dominant
political parties, the Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats and the
Kabalikat ng Malayang Pilipino, will formalize their merger and
reorganization plans in preparation
for the 2010 elections.
Lakas national executive director Ray Roquero
said Sunday the merger between his party and Kampi, and a planned
reorganization at the party’s hierarchy are expected to dominate
the scheduled expanded National Directorate assembly on Febraury 28
at the Manila Hotel.
The day-long assembly, according to Roquero,
will be led by President Gloria Arroyo and former
President Fidel Ramos, party chairman and party chairman emeritus,
respectively.
Lakas leaders are also expected to carry out a
long-delayed reorganization of the National Directorate, composed of
both national and local officials.
Roquero said the union of the two biggest
political parties, which was first introduced in 1998, will
effectively solidify and strengthen their combined efforts, talents
and resources in preparation for the 2010 national and local
elections.
Lakas and Kampi are at the head of a six-member,
pro-administration coalition of political parties which supported
Team Unity in the midterm elections last year.
The others are the Nationalist People’s
Coalition, Laban ng Demokratikong Pilipino, the Liberal Party led by
Environment Secretary Lito Atienza, and the Partido Demokratiko
Sosyalista ng Pilipinas.
Stability, peace to be discussed
Delegates will also discuss such vital issues as
economic stability, electoral reforms, peace initiatives and party
legacy and buildup.
Roquero said that the terms of reference for the
merger are now being worked out for discussion and approval during
the assembly, the highest objective of which is to field a common
presidential candidate in the 2010 polls.
The merger, he said, will also afford
administration allies to field a common slate to prevent the
reoccurrence of two opposing forces in the local polls, thereby
“boosting their joint efforts in campaigning for the presidential
bet.”
“Lakas will naturally become the surviving
party so we will be able to retain our position as the dominant
majority party,” said Roquero.
He said other topics in the agenda are the
continuing search for peace in Mindanao, promotion of good
governance, strengthening of local autonomy and alliances and
ensuring the success of the party’s legacies under two administrations
since 1992.
Roquero said Lakas will push for the attainment
of a viable social peace, help create an atmosphere of competitive
economy and institutionalize the foundation of democratic
institutions in the country.
Lakas also wants2 to further strengthen the
relationship between Malacañang and the House of Representatives,
under the new leadership of Speaker Prospero Nograles, to fast-track
the passage of major reform bills.
“Advanced Western nations achieve progress and
prosperity because of harmonious relations between the executive and
the legislative branches of government,” Roquero said.
|
