Lakas-kampi-CMD remains intact without FVR—Defensor
House Majority Floor Leader 3rd District Representative Arthur Defensor believes the Lakas-Kabalikat ng Malayang Pilipino-Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas-Kampi-CMD) will remain intact even with former President Fidel V. Ramos’s rejection of the coalition’s post as chairman emeritus.
Defensor, provincial chair of the party, said if it is true that Ramos resigned from the party, the leadership and membership remains integrated. He expects that none of their leaders will also resign from the merged political party.
In an interview over Bombo Radyo, Defensor said it is regrettable for a leader like Ramos to resign. He is a respected leader of the party. Defensor believes Ramos might change his decision.
The former president is one of the pillars in the Lakas party. He has his own pool of supporters within the political party which recently merged with Kampi, President Arroyo’s political party.
Defensor explained there is no need for the former president to resign since Lakas lost its identity when it merged with Kampi. Lakas is no longer a distinct political party with its merger to Kampi, Defensor said.
The merger of the two political parties is being questioned by former Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr before the Commission on Elections (Comelec).
He filed a petition asking for the nullification of the merger and invalidates the positions and appointment of the officials of the coalition.
Defensor said both political parties followed the terms and conditions before its final merger. The merger was ratified by the national directorate of the parties. Members of the party from Batanes to Tawi-Tawi were informed.
The majority floor leader also blamed the failure of Presidential Adviser on Political Affairs Secretary Gabriel Claudio and Lakas-Kampi-CMD Secretary General to consult Ramos on the merger. The former president is very sensitive. The lack of consultation from a former leader like him probably triggered Ramos’s decision, said Defensor.
Before, we would visit the former president whenever we have concerns for the party. Perhaps, it was overlooked by Secretary Claudio, said Defensor.
Nevertheless, Defensor believes he will remain a friend to Ramos. We have high regard with each other. He was the president of the country during my term as governor of Iloilo, Defensor ended.