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By Maricel V. Cruz, Reporter
Pangasinan Rep. Jose de Venecia
Jr. said resigning as president of the ruling Lakas-Christian Muslim
Democrats (CMD) is one of the “possible options” he might take
following his ouster as House Speaker.
De Venecia added that those
wanting to also oust him as president of Lakas-CMD “can exercise
that option” but was quick to point out he is always ready “for
all convulsions.”
“We have to study carefully
what we do. We must not be rushed in our decision-making. The
important thing is whatever we do, we always try to advance the
national interest,” he told reporters.
De Venecia made the remarks in
reaction to a recent statement of Lakas Executive Director Ray
Roquero that the party will elect a new president during its
national directorate meeting on February 28.
The ousted Speaker said he will
remain as an “independent force” and will not likely join the
opposition. “I can stay in Lakas and be a critic [of the
administration].”
He also played down insinuations
that he would want to be kicked out from Lakas because he had met
with former President Joseph Estrada.
De Venecia said he will not
support calls for President Gloria Arroyo’s resignation, even if
it was the President’s sons who initiated his ouster.
He added that he will not testify
against President Arroyo should an inquiry at the House on alleged
anomalies in her administration be initiated.
“I’m not vindictive,” de
Venecia said.
Without divulging specific
issues, however, he added that he will soon deliver a privilege
speech on alleged irregularities and corruption in the Arroyo
administration.
“I’m organizing my thoughts
before I go to the floor,” de Venecia said.
He disclosed that he had spoken
with Speaker Prospero Nograles, Majority Leader Arturo Defensor and
Senior Deputy Majority Leader Neptali Gonzales to have the emotional
speech he delivered before his ouster referred to a proper committee
for investigation.
De Venecia said the points he
raised in his speech should be taken up in a separate congressional
probe.
In that emotional speech, he
alluded to several alleged anomalies linking the government—from
attempts to cheat in the 2004 elections to possible wrongdoings in
government transactions, including the National Transmission Corp.
bidding.
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