LP-NPC alliance not sealed yet

THE ruling Liberal Party (LP) and the Nationalist People's Coalition (NPC) have yet to formalize its coalition for the 2013 midterm elections even after its leaders met for the fifth time on Friday.

The NPC of businessman Eduardo Cojuangco Jr. is fielding reelectionist Senator Loren Legarda and Cagayan Representative Jack Enrile, son of Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile, but it is not stopping the two candidates from joining the LP line-up.

Legarda is also being wooed by the United Nationalist Alliance (UNA) of former President Joseph Estrada and Vice President Jejomar Binay. She said she will announce her decision on Monday, September 24.

The younger Enrile, meanwhile, has been part of the UNA ticket since summer.

"We are still finalizing with the LP so I don't want to preempt the results of the ongoing talks but we are steadfast with our commitment to support our partymates Senator Legarda and Congressman Enrile, whichever coalition they end up with," Valenzuela City Representative Rex Gatchalian, NPC spokesperson, said in a text message.

Gatchalian said NPC will collaborate with its local LP counterparts to see to it that "our national candidates' campaign and message resonates throughout the country."

"The complementary NPC and LP networks nationwide will vastly improve the reach and scope of our national campaign," he said.

Cavite Representative Joseph Emilio Abaya, also the incoming Transportation and Communications Secretary and LP's secretary general, said an alliance agreement will be signed next week, just days before the filing of certificates of candidacy.

"Just a little more pending districts (we have to discuss with NPC). We have a draft alliance agreement which should be signed next week," he said in a text message. "No final decision on the Senate slate yet," he added.

Aside from the NPC, the LP will also be in alliance with the Nacionalista Party (NP) of Senator Manny Villar.

NP is fielding reelectionist Senators Antonio Trillanes IV and Alan Peter Cayetano, and former Las Piñas City Representative Cynthia Villar. (Kathrina Alvarez/Sunnex)