Drilon declines mediator in LP rift

Senate President Franklin Drilon has declined an offer by former Senate president Jovito Salonga to act as mediator and help patch up Drilon’s differences with Manila Mayor Lito Atienza, whose Liberal Party faction ousted Drilon as party president earlier this month.

Salonga is the party’s president emeritus.

Drilon responded in a two-page letter to Salonga his lack of interest in reconciling with Atienza, who was designated as party president during a March 2 forum at Manila Hotel.

"I deeply regret that we cannot continue with the mediation process and will be unable to submit to an arbitration process… We are seeking an honorable solution and we will comply with the rule of law and the constitution of the Liberal Party," Salonga said in a statement, quoting Drilon’s letter sent March 15.

Salonga had informed Atienza of Drilon’s move through a letter, which the former senator noted violated the three conditions of any mediation effort.

While Drilon appreciates "my effort and sincere concern to help the Liberal Party in these critical times," Salonga said Drilon’s group would not agree to the process of arbitration.

Salonga noted that Drilon had cited as a reason the statement of presidential chief of staff Michael Defensor and newly appointed party chairman, who was quoted in a newspaper last March 10 as saying "there is no need for any mediation."

Drilon will reportedly make "a very important announcement" at a solidarity rally at the General Trias Convention Center in General Trias, Cavite.

Drilon’s faction will hold a Liberal Party solidarity rally sponsored by the LP Cavite chapter led by Gov. "Ayong" Maliksi and Rep. Jun Abaya, and other prominent LP figures in Cavite.

Salonga said he discussed with former LP president Florencio Abad and former senator Wigberto Tañada certain violations of the three conditions he had set for reconciliation. — Cristina Mendez