|
Monday, July 31, 2006
Opposition pushes talks in time for launch
By Danilo V. Adorador III
THE local opposition is headed for a certain defeat in the 2007 elections should a breakaway group emerge from its united front -- the Socialist Union of Local Opposition Group (Sulog), organizers warned in a gathering this weekend.
To be formally launched next month, Sulog hopes to emerge as a single, united group formidable enough to challenge the incumbent party, Padayon Pilipino (PaDayon).
But personal animosity is plaguing efforts at uniting all political opposition groups, former mayor Pablo Magtajas observed.
Magtajas though added that there is still a room for "negotiations" of a single, united front formidable enough to challenge the incumbent party.
Speaking during an opposition summit this weekend, Magtajas said Pundok Mindanao, which is seen as the missing link in the united opposition, is still open for possible unification talk.
Magtajas claimed that Lawyer Manolo Tagarda, who heads Pundok, has not yet ruled out joining the united opposition in their recent talk.
Tagarda had earlier declined to attend the series of "unification meetings" among various opposition fronts.
He said the united front being organized by lawyer Butch Bagabuyo and Frederico Gapuz, two of the administration's staunchest critic, did not represent the public as a whole, even criticizing the personalities affiliated to it as "opportunists and elitists."
Though Tagarda did not deny having such a talk with Magtajas, he said his group is not convinced of Sulog's political agenda and still maintains its intentions not to coalesce even under a united opposition.
Gapuz also convinced him to attend this weekend's gathering, but Tagarda said he refused citing similar reasons.
"It's a party (Sulog) of personalities, not of ideologies," he told Sun.Star Cagayan de Oro when queried whether he sees himself joining Sulog in the near future to complete the group.
Sulog organizers however already resigned to Tagarda's reticence, with Bagabuyo saying the group can manage even without Tagarda's group, which is still reputed to command a considerable following.
Lawyer Antonio Soriano, Sulog's potential congressional candidate, voiced the same opinion, saying Sulog do not need Tagarda and would not resort to arm twisting if only to achieve a solid opposition.
But Sulog organizers warned that the new coalition could fall apart once disagreement ensue over its chosen ticket in 2007.
Recalling the last elections when the united opposition broke apart and discontented party dissenters broke away to form a third front, Bagabuyo and Gapuz said, Sulog must ensure that all members adhere to the agreed framework of the selection process.
Around 10,000 party loyalists are expected to attend the group's launching on August 25.
(July 31, 2006 issue)
Write letter to the editor. Click here.
Join the Sun.Star message board. Click here. |
|
[return to top]
[home]
[network page]
|
LOCAL NEWS
BUSINESS
OPINION
SPORTS
LIFESTYLE
FEATURE
SUPERBALITA
|
