GMA to convene LEDAC on Tuesday

Malacañang will convene the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC) on Tuesday in the hope of having important pieces of legislation passed before Congress adjourns on June 8.

Leaders of the Senate and the House of Representatives — including those from the opposition — are expected to attend, Presidential Political Adviser Gabriel Claudio said.

Claudio expressed hope that all congressional leaders would be present so that pending bills prioritized by Malacañang could be discussed.

These bills include the proposed 2006 budget along with legislation on anti-terrorism, alternative fuel use, income tax reduction for minimum wage earners, anti-smuggling and the rationalization of fiscal measures.

This will be the first LEDAC meeting since political bickering erupted last year over vote-rigging allegations against President Arroyo, who has been fighting an opposition-led campaign to oust her.

Claudio had earlier appealed to lawmakers to suspend "politically-charged" hearings when they resume sessions beginning May 15 and focus on passing pending bills.

"We hope they will maximize their time and work on these proposed measures rather than resume their inquiries against the administration," Claudio said. "We will be very happy if the lawmakers will devote their time and effort to pass even just a few of the priority measures."

Speaker Jose de Venecia suggested last week that the council be convened to map out a legislative agenda as well as to, hopefully, reduce tensions between the administration and the opposition.

Sen. Edgardo Angara suggested that a dialogue be held to resolve the political crisis that has gripped the nation since last June.

Press Secretary Ignacio Bunye said Mrs. Arroyo is open to dialogue with the congressional leaders to expedite the passage of important bills.

The LEDAC, which consists of the President, key administration officials and lawmakers, was formed in the mid-1990s to enable Malacañang and Congress to map out a legislative agenda, especially for legislation that the administration has prioritized.

President Fidel Ramos used the council extensively to push for over 200 bills needed for his economic recovery program, which enabled the Philippines to post a strong economic performance and gain independence from the International Monetary Fund’s supervision.

Angara has urged Senate President Franklin Drilon, a former Arroyo ally, to respond positively to a dialogue in spite of their political differences.

Aside from Drilon, also expected to attend are Senate President Pro Tempore Juan Flavier, Majority Leader Francis Pangilinan and Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel Jr.

On the other hand, De Venecia, Deputy Speakers Raul del Mar, Gerry Salapuddin, Benigno Aquino III and Emilio Espinosa Jr., and Minority Leader Francis Escudero will represent the House.

Mrs. Arroyo is fighting opposition efforts to force her from office over allegations that she cheated her way to victory in the 2004 presidential election.

The crisis has slowed work in Congress and analysts have warned that it poses a risk to the country’s economic recovery efforts.

Mrs. Arroyo accuses the opposition of shifting its battle to the legislature after she successfully fought off an impeachment bid in the House in September.

She had accused senators allied with the opposition of trying to weaken her with a series of investigations purportedly aimed at uncovering corruption. — Aurea Calica