Kampi originals question Puno ‘takeover’

Barely two weeks after it was "reorganized," the pro-administration Kabalikat ng Malayang Pilipino (Kampi) is apparently heading for break-up after original founding members questioned the alleged "takeover" of the party by the group of Antipolo Rep. Ronaldo Puno, an original Kampi member said yesterday.

The original party member, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the supposed election held at the Galleria Robinsons Suites in Ortigas, Pasig City two weeks ago was conducted without consultating party members.

"We are studying our options, if possible we will go to court to settle the issue," the member said.

But Isabela Rep. Anthony Miranda, spokesman for the "revitalized" Kampi, denied there was such a takeover.

According to Miranda, key members of the party, including former Rizal congressman Emigdio Tanjuatco Jr., were present at the meeting.

However, Miranda admitted that some original members of the party were not invited because they concentrated their effort on getting members of the House of Representatives to attend the meeting.

"We want to strengthen Kampi in Congress, we are not meddling in the national affairs of the party," Miranda told The STAR in a telephone interview. — Perseus Echeminada