NPC renews coalition with Lakas-CMD

The Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC), the country’s second largest political party, and the ruling Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas-CMD) have renewed their alliance in support of Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr. and President Arroyo’s 10-point program.

NPC secretary-general Cebu Rep. Joseph Ace Durano and senior NPC member Tarlac Rep. Jesli Lapus, in a joint statement, asked their colleagues in Congress "to set aside party politics and buckle down to work and solve the budget and fiscal crisis facing the country."

"This is the time to unite. It makes no sense to create new divisions after the elections," Lapus said. "As a party, we are committed to one major goal — that the country hurdle this present crisis, and the best way to achieve it is to unite and not to divide the nation."

The renewal of the Lakas-NPC alliance comes on the heels of a coalition forged between the Kabalikat ng Malayang Pilipino and the Liberal Party, whose leaders said their combined numbers "can no longer be overlooked." The LP has 32 members in the House of Representatives, while Kampi has 77.

Kampi, founded by Mrs. Arroyo in 1997 and revived two weeks ago by Antipolo City Rep. Ronaldo Puno, has yet to forge a coalition agreement with Lakas despite assurances from the two parties’ leaders that it will be done before the President delivers her state of the nation address on July 26 during the opening of the 13th Congress.

Mrs. Arroyo is also national chairman of Lakas, a party founded by De Venecia and former President Fidel Ramos in 1992.

Lapus said 45 of the 58 congressmen who belong to the NPC have already expressed support for the coalition agreement with Lakas and they are waiting for the rest of their partymates to endorse it shortly.

The NPC, a group known for its discipline and transparency, was founded by businessman Eduardo Cojuangco when he made a bid for the presidency in 1992.

Lapus said the Lakas-NPC coalition represents a formidable majority since there are more than 100 Lakas lawmakers. This will be the third time that Lakas and the NPC have forged a coalition since the 11th Congress.

Lapus said they have responded to De Venecia’s exhortations after the May 10 elections on the need to raise government revenue in order to reduce the budget deficit and finalize separate peace agreements with Muslim and communist rebels.

He said the Lakas-NPC coalition has helped push fiscal, economic and political reforms in previous Congresses.

LP Rep. Abraham Mitra of Palawan said last Wednesday that the merger of his party and Kampi will enable them to effect reforms in the House and put an end to traditional politics.

Mitra said the previous House leadership made a mockery of the committee system in the chamber by creating new posts to accommodate political favors.

From 45 committee chairmanships, the number rose to more than a 100 under De Venecia’s watch, he added.

However, Mitra and Kampi spokesman Isabela Rep. Anthony Miranda said they remain supportive of De Venecia.

Kampi’s ranks were recently joined by former Lakas congressman Prospero Pichay of Surigao del Sur, and former NPC lawmakers Joey Salceda of Albay and Eduardo Veloso of Leyte.