Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — Lakas-CMD, the political party of former President and now-Lubao Representative Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, is set to hold a so-called “meeting of friends” this month.
In this gathering where about a thousand members are expected to attend, the party is likely to endorse the candidate they will support in the 2016 elections.
According to Lakas-CMD Co-Chairman Danilo Suarez, though the party has no final decision yet, Lakas-CMD is leaning towards endorsing Vice President Jejomar Binay as their presidential candidate.
Suarez repeatedly pointed out in his previous interviews that among the candidates, Binay is the only one who is sympathetic to former President Arroyo and understands her request for house arrest and medical treatment abroad.
A ‘worthy’ ally
Should they decide to coalesce, Suarez vowed that Lakas-CMD is going to be a worthy ally of the United Nationalist Alliance (UNA).
“UNA should recognize the fact that we will be a worthy ally. Lakas will not be demanding as long as some party principle will be the same,” Suarez said.
Suarez confirmed, Lakas-CMD and UNA are merely sealing their alliance. “It’s just a question of formality and cementing the coalition between the two parties,” he added.
On the assumption of a coalition with UNA, Lakas-CMD hopes that there will be “a vindication that the new president will adopt the unfinished programs” of the party.
Lakas-CMD has been a relatively silent opposition in this administration but according to Suarez, they can deliver about 1.5million votes for Binay next elections.
Former President Arroyo’s 2016 political plans
Suarez confirmed that former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, who is now on her second term as a Pampanga representative in the lower House, has decided to seek for re-election.
Arroyo is currently under Hospital arrest due to a pending plunder case.
Suarez says Arroyo’s re-election bid is going to be a walk in the park even if she will not be able to campaign.
CNN Philippines’ Joyce Ilas contributed to this report.
