Arroyo to appoint interim officials of merged Lakas-Kampi party

MANILA, Philippines - Members of Lakas-CMD and the Kabalikat ng Mamamayang Pilipino (Kampi) have authorized President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo to appoint interim national officials of the new party that emerged from the merger of the two political groups. Present as guests at the Lakas-Kampi merger ceremonies were Vice President Noli de Castro and Defense chief Gilberto Teodoro Jr, both eyed as possible standard bearer of the administration for the 2010 elections. Both Teodoro and De Castro were well applauded - though the former got slightly more applause than the latter - as they were recognized in the hall full of stalwarts of both parties, including Lakas president House Speaker Prospero Nograles. Kampi president Camarines Sur Rep. Luis Villafuerte was notably absent. He had said earlier he wouldn't join the merger rites because of "unresolved local political disputes." Members of the national directorate and the national executive committee of the new party agreed to stick to the rules on the selection of standard bearer, and support whoever would be chosen. They also vowed to support the programs of the Arroyo administration, particularly those that are aimed in mitigating the impact of the financial crisis. Johanna Camille Sisante, GMANews.TV