‘Lakas-CMD to weather Pidal storm’

Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas-CMD) national spokesman Heherson Alvarez belittled yesterday reports that the "Jose Pidal" controversy and allegations of corruption hurled against First Gentleman Jose Miguel Arroyo threatened to split the ruling party.

"What have been expressed are individual opinions of Lakas-CMD party members on the Jose Pidal controversy and, so far, (opposition Sen. Panfilo) Lacson has not been able to prove his case," Alvarez said.

Lacson accused the First Gentleman of utilizing bank accounts under the fictitious name "Jose Pidal" for money laundering purposes and of having an affair with his personal secretary, Victoria Toh. Mr. Arroyo has denied Lacson’s allegations.

In an interview with The STAR, Alvarez said the party leadership was taking the statements of Gunigundo and Vice President Teofisto Guingona Jr. on the "Jose Pidal" controversy as part of the ruling party’s "democratic process."

These statements by Gunigundo and Guingona, Alvarez said, "do not represent a Lakas-CMD party stand."

Alvarez dismissed a suggestion from certain quarters that Lakas-CMD is heading for a split after party members expressed outrage over the suggestion by Valenzuela Rep. Magtanggol Gunigundo Jr. (Lakas-CMD) that President Arroyo file a suit for legal separation from her husband.

Isabela Rep. Rodolfo Albano (Lakas-CMD) challenged Gunigundo to leave the party if he cannot stand the heat generated by the controversy involving the First Gentleman.

Jose Maria Rufino, the President’s political liaison officer, called for party sanctions against Gunigundo, Guingona and other members of the ruling party who failed to stand behind the First Couple.

Guingona, who is Lakas-CMD president, earlier said that unless the "Jose Pidal" bank accounts were explained to the people, something "drastic" could happen over the next two months. The Vice President also called on the First Gentleman and his brother, Ignacio, to "tell the truth."

Rufino, who is also Lakas-CMD national executive director, denied Guingona’s statement, adding that a "vast majority" stood squarely behind the President and her husband.

Rufino added that Guingona should resign from the party if he cannot be a team player. Rufino said he noted reports that some groups behind the destabilization plot against the President included plans to install Guingona in Malacañang.

Guingona, for his part ignored Rufino’s statements. When contacted by The STAR, a member of Guingona’s staff said the Vice President has decided not to dignify Rufino’s comment.