Arroyo: Merger is proof of May 2010 elections

MANILA, Philippines - President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo on Thursday said the merger of majority parties Lakas-CMD and Kampi (Kabalikat ng Mamamayang Pilipino) is proof that the administration is intent on pushing through with the May 2010 elections. "Let this merger of Lakas and Kampi be tangible proof of our readiness, nay, determination, that the elections do push through," President Arroyo said during the formalization of the Lakas-Kampi-CMD merger at the Manila Hotel. Mrs. Arroyo stands as national party chairperson. The President acknowledged that members will rarely be unanimous in thinking and opinion but said that she hopes everyone would support the party stand. Critics of the President have been saying that her silence on whether presidential elections would be held next year meant that she is still interested in prolonging her stay to power through Charter change. Earlier, members of the national directorate and the national executive committee of the party approved five resolutions: * Declaring the merger of Lakas-CMD and Kampi; * Approving and ratifying the constitution and by-laws of Lakas-Kampi-CMD; * Affirming the authority of President Arroyo to appoint the interim officers of the national executive committee; * Committing to abide by the party's choice of national candidates in the 2010 elections; and * Commending President Arroyo for steering the country toward economic resiliency amid the global crisis. 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, 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." - GMANews.TV