Palace's hand denied in pro-GMA conference

Organizers of a multi-sectoral conference against destabilization and for the continuation of President Gloria Arroyo's administration yesterday denied Malacañang's involvement in their activity.

Jarvis Prochina, area coordinator of Lakas-Pinoy non-government organization who claimed to have organized the activity, said that it was agreed by the different sectors supporting Arroyo to come out and be heard.

The conference attended by people from business, the academe, urban poor, senior citizens, vendors and drivers. Acting Governor Gregorio Sanchez and Vice Mayor Michael Rama were the only politicians invited to the conference as the organizers said they did not want the event politicized.

The organizers turned defensive when the media started asking about Malacañang's role in the forum. Lindy Morell, who claimed to represent the academe, started shouting at newsmen saying they were not paid by Malacañang to attend the conference.

The organizers could not explain why the invitation sent to the Office of the Governor and the mayor came from the Office of the External Affairs in Malacañang signed by assistant secretary Danilo Consumido.

They also tapped the Philippine Information Agency, which is under the administration, to invite the members of the media for the conference despite claims they were "apolitical".

The organizers said that while they condemned Arroyo's talking to a Commission on Elections official they do not support the call for her resignation.

The group has not decided on a manifesto supporting Arroyo as they have yet to create a work plan based on what they decided in yesterday's conference.