Local News: Forging Political Alliances Not Yet on LPs Agenda in Negros

Newly-chosen officials and members of the Liberal Party (LP) and independent opposition political leaders are adopting a wait-and-see position regarding possible alliances with other political groups and parties in connection with campaigning for the coming 2013 elections.

LP Vice-President Reynaldo "Butch" Ebreo who is also chairman of Magdalo, a group composed of ex-soldiers and adherents said the question of forging political alliances with various political parties is still not a sure thing because insofar as the LP is concerned, it has an agreement with the Nationalist Peoples’ Coalition (NPC) that it cannot recruit or pirate members from the said party. It can do so, however, from such political parties as Lakas-CMD, the former grouping of ex-president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. He also named possible LP candidates as LP stalwarts, Frank Carbon, Andres Hagad, Edwin Balajadia or even X-factor Earl Gonzales, who has claimed that the water source of the Bacolod City Water District is in a property they own. There is also lawyer and businessman, Ben Ortega. This could be a team whose campaign position will be anti-graft, said Ebreo, among the whistleblowers in the third batch.

As to possible political coalition forged by his group with former congressman Monico Puentevella, the former city hall employee and Philippine Navy officer, said this is something which they would have to check later if it is possible. As for the LP, it has now broadened into a larger political entity, with a women’s and youth wing.

If the LP decides to forge political alliances with other political parties, he fears there won’t be any member left of those in the other parties because in practice, the administration party always attracts adherents like a magnet to those parties which are identified with the ruling power.*