Admin coalition solons start arriving for caucus

Members of the administration coalition at the House of Representatives arrived in Malacañang Park Monday morning for a caucus on the fate of House Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr. Radio dzBB reported that convoys bearing congressmen in the coalition whizzed into the complex while presidential guards kept media out of the area. The Presidential Security Group closed off one of the gates of the park, where the coalition caucus was to meet at the Bahay Pangarap area. Among those already inside before 10 a.m. were Representatives Prospero Nograles Jr, De Venecia's main rival for the Speakership; Luis Villafuerte of the so-called reform bloc; and Edcel Lagman. De Venecia said in an earlier radio interview he would "definitely" attend the caucus. Other parties to be represented in the caucus included the Liberal Party, Laban ng Demokratikong Pilipino, Nacionalista Party, Nationalist People's Coalition, and the Partido Demokratiko Socialista ng Pilipinas (PDSP). Cabinet members at the meeting included Raul Gonzalez (Justice), Peter Favila (Trade), and Gilbert Teodoro Jr (Defense). The report said lawmakers from Southern Luzon belonging to the LP also held their own meeting at the Manila Polo Club in Makati City. - GMANews.TV