PDP-Laban open to coalitions but...

MANILA, Philippines - Senate whistleblower Joey de Venecia yesterday belittled the insinuations of a possible coalition of the PDP-Laban with the ruling Liberal Party (LP) of President Aquino for the midterm elections in 2013.

De Venecia, secretary-general of PDP-Laban, said the party principles do not necessarily allow coalitions with other parties for political convenience.

“Our party principles are clear on this: PDP does not coalesce merely on the basis of political expediency,” De Venecia said.

In a statement, De Venecia said PDP-Laban is open to political coalitions with any party or movement “for as long as the coalition is based on common principles and vision for the country.”

De Venecia took exception to the statements of Presidential Adviser for Political Affairs Ronald Llamas who hinted of possible coalition between the two opposing parties in President Aquino’s circle – the ruling LP and PDP-Laban of Vice President Jejomar Binay – for the May 2013 midterm elections.

Llamas said this political realignment could still have its way, despite an earlier pronouncement from Aquino himself that uniting the two parties may be farfetched.

“Having stated that, PDP-Laban believes that it is too early to talk about the 2013 elections,” De Venecia said.

“Especially at this time when many of our countrymen are still suffering from the devastation brought about by (storm) ‘Sendong,’” he said.

“We should instead harness all the resources of government and the private sector to help rebuild the lives of the victims,” he added.

De Venecia said PDP-Laban is willing to enter into a coalition that would “put in place a modern, community-based disaster management system so that our communities are better prepared to address disasters.”

PDP-Laban supported ex-President Joseph Estrada’s reelection, while Aquino was LP’s candidate.

The PDP-Laban had Binay, who defeated Aquino’s running mate and now Transportation Secretary Manuel Roxas II, president of the ruling Liberal Party.