Revilla elected president of Lakas-Kampi-CMD

MANILA, Philippines –  Sen. Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. was elected president of the once formidable Lakas-Kampi-CMD that now took the role of leading the opposition in government.

Revilla became the leading choice in the elections conducted by 112 of the 149 members of the party’s national executive council.

Revilla emerged the winner in the elections that also saw former President and now Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo step down as party chairman and given the title chairman emeritus.

Arroyo was succeeded by House Minority Leader and Albay Rep. Edcel Lagman with Maguindanao Rep. Simeon Datumanong and Camarines Sur Rolando Andaya Jr. voted as co-chairmen.

Iloilo Gov. Arthur Defensor was elected executive vice president of the party while Agusan del Sur Rep. Jose Aquino was elected as secretary-general.

Arroyo was both chairperson and president of Lakas after its president Francis Manglapus, went on leave after the failed presidential campaign for former defense secretary Gilbert Teodoro ended. Teodoro was not seen at the elections.

The post of party president was first offered to Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez, Lakas treasurer.He is also reportedly being offered the post of president of the newly formed National Unity Party, composed mainly of former Lakas stalwarts.

Among those who attended the elections were former Speaker Prospero Nograles, former executive secretary Eduardo Ermita, former justice secretary Raul Gonzales and losing senatorial candidates Raul Lambino, Silvestre Bello III and Ramon Guico.

Revilla vowed to bring back the party to its glory and win back their former comrades.

“Lakas will once again blaze trails for our party mates and for our nations. You can also expect me to live our principles and lead by example,” Revilla said.

Revilla stressed Lakas is not acting the role as an obstacle to the Aquino administration. He said Lakas under his leadership as president would set aside politics and work with the Aquino administration in moving the nation forward.

“I will make sure that we will not give him (President Aquino) any headaches. We will support him and set aside politics for the sake of the nation,” he said.

Revilla said Lakas is in the process of regrouping following the departure of several of its members to the ruling Liberal Party and the newly formed National Unity Party.

He said there are members who are still hurting over the decision of several long-time Lakas members to transfer to other parties and it would take some time for all the wounds to heal.

He said the party leadership is well aware which members are truly loyal to the party and if yesterday’s meeting was any indication, Lakas-Kampi would remain a force to reckon with.

“Lakas will always be strong. It was strong during the time of FVR (former President Fidel Valdez Ramos) and GMA (Arroyo). There was a gap but Lakas will always be a force in Philippine politics,” Revilla said.

He said Lakas has already proven in the past to be “capable of turning the tables against difficult odds.”

“Regardless of all criticism, we get things done. We have proven that through proper leadership and management, we can emerge triumphant and victorious,” Revilla said.

He said Lakas remains a powerful force in Philippine politics with nearly a thousand elected officials as members.

“This number is more than enough to say that if we tune our actions and act as one united force, we can deliver what the people need,” Revilla said. – With Marvin Sy