Lakas-Kampi officials doing everything to get Ramos' support

MANILA, Philippines - Officials of the ruling Lakas-Kampi-CMD party are exerting all efforts to convince former President Fidel Ramos to reconsider his decision rejecting the offer to sit as chairman emeritus of the newly formed administration party.

Presidential Adviser for Political Affairs Gabriel Claudio said he sent a letter to Ramos on Monday seeking an appointment for a dialogue to try to thresh out the issue.

Claudio admitted he has yet to receive a response from Ramos.

He added Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita, as president of the party, would be present to try to convince Ramos to accept the offer. Ermita had served as an aide of Ramos during their career in the military.

Ramos last week informed President Arroyo and other party officials that he is not keen on accepting the post of chairman emeritus of the new political party, which was formed out of Lakas that he co-founded with former House speaker Jose de Venecia Jr. in 1992.

Ramos said the party was merged without nationwide consultations with members of Lakas-CMD national directorate on the draft constitution and bylaws of the merger.

The former president said he is open to dialogue, but said he has yet to receive a request from the party officials for a meeting.

Ramos’ media coordinator, Ed Malay, confirmed Claudio has sought a meeting with his boss and said it would likely occur towards the weekend.

Malay also revealed other party members, namely Justice Secretary Agnes Devanadera and Trade Secretary Peter Favila, will be present.

Malay, however, said he was not sure if Speaker Prospero Nograles would attend the meeting with Ramos.   – Paolo Romero