Palace talking with FVR over merger criticisms

MANILA, Philippines - Malacañang is seeking to mollify former President Fidel Ramos’ criticisms over the merger of the Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrat (Lakas-CMD) and Kabalikat ng Malayang Pilipino (Kampi) parties. Press Secretary Cerge Remonde on Sunday said presidential political adviser Gabriel Claudio is to meet with Ramos to explain the merger to him. “In-assure ako ni Secretary Claudio na maaayos ang gusot [Claudio assured me he will get this straightened out]. (He) told me he was scheduled to meet with former President Ramos. He is confident he can explain everything to the former president," Remonde told dzBB radio in a phone interview. Remonde was with President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo in Korea. A separate report on Bombo Radyo said Claudio and Ramos met Saturday night behind closed doors. Ramos on Friday scored the merger of Lakas and Kampi, saying he was not consulted about it. He also said the present administration has made it a habit of rushing things up. Ramos and former House Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr. founded Lakas in the early 1990s. Both were absent during the meeting held in Manila Hotel last Thursday. Meanwhile, Remonde brushed aside concerns that they are selecting candidates from outside the parties without choosing those from the inside. Earlier, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Bayani Fernando questioned the administration’s looking at Vice President Manuel “Noli" de Castro Jr. and Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. as possible administration standard bearers in the 2010 elections. De Castro is not formally allied with Lakas or Kampi, while Teodoro is with the Nationalist People’s Coalition. “It’s normal (na) pagdating sa national election ang partido maghahanap ng kandidato na winnable, and will continue the visions and programs of the party [It’s normal that when the elections come, the party looks for candidates who are winnable and who will continue the visions and programs of the party]," Remonde said. “We will not look only within members of the party and non-members. Normal ‘yan sa Pilipinas [This is normal in the Philippines]," he added. - GMANews.TV