Armada says more Lakas members to 'jumpship'
Expect a revitalized Liberal Party (LP). Or so Vice Governor Roberto Armada plans, with his recent appointment as the party's "Acting Provincial Chairperson" despite the claim of Governor Niel Tupas, Sr. that the LP under Senate Pres. Franklin Drilon is the legitimate one.
With Armada's appointment came his confirmation of the March 2 expulsion of Governor Tupas as LP member. Yet the party's door remains open for any reconciliation with expelled members. As the Vice Governor said, whatever the party top brass decides, he is out to abide.
Earlier, Tupas laughed off reports that Armada defected to the LP saying the LP under Manila Mayor Lito Atienza is considered a breakaway group.
Tupas claimed the LP-Drilon wing is the one being recognized by the Commission on Elections (Comelec).
"I shifted to LP because Lakas is no longer the party we used to know. Lately I noticed that their concentration was on party members on the House. And the support in terms of projects was not there. Now as the head of LP here in the province, I have a mandate to revitalize the party and I will certainly pursue it," Armada said in an interview with Capitol reporters.
In the coming weeks and moths, Armada disclosed of oathtakings that he said will take place in all five districts of the province.
Amongst the 'new' Liberals with Armada is Board Member Manny Gallar alongside Board Member Licurgo Tirador who renewed his LP allegiance at the time the Vice Governor swore in.
Armada's appointment was made by LP Party President Mayor Atienza last March 8.
"As such, you are hereby directed to immediately undertake the reorganization of the Party down to the Precinct level in preparation for the convening of the Provincial Party Committee at the soonest time possible," excerpts of Armada's appointment stated.
"In this connection you are further granted authority to appoint acting chairpersons of the Party Committees in the District, City, Municipal, Barangay and Precinct levels."
Further still, the Vice Governor as LP provincial chair was directed to strengthen the party in Iloilo by recruiting members and "to fortify support in the Province" for the Arroyo administration.
Armada marked his entry to local politics as a Lakas member back in 1995. He once vowed to 'die' with the party however explained that of late, the mis-developments was too much to take thus the shift in party allegiance.
"But I cannot be accused of turncoatism because as it is, Lakas is the dominant party yet I chose LP. I admit LP is not a perfect party but I am out to solidify our forces," he ended.