Lakas Feb 7 convention might be scrapped - solon

An official of the ruling Lakas party said Monday he expects the scheduled February 7 national convention to be called off following the fiery speech delivered by embattled Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr. Deputy Speaker for Mindanao Simeon Datumanong said that while he hopes everything will eventually be well again within Lakas, De Venecia’s speech may create a "serious crack" within the party. "As far as I’m concerned I’d recommend it (convention) will not go through with the announcement of Speaker De Venecia," Datumanong said in an interview on government-run dzRB radio. He said De Venecia’s remarks may "create a serious crack" within the party and may affect its systems of "helping people." De Venecia is party president while President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo s the party chairman. President Arroyo also has her own Kabalikat ng Malayang Pilipino (Kampi). "That’s what I was afraid of, a thing like that will happen. It will create a serious crack and affect definitely our own system of helping people," Datumanong said. Datumanong said he can only hope everything can be patched up again soonest. "We don’t want any serious risks that will make our party Lakas a weakling," he said. - GMANews.TV