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DAVAO CITY, Philippines -- The Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats is not threatened by the growing number of politicians affiliating themselves with the Kampi political party of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, House Minority Leader Prospero Nograles said.

Nograles, Lakas secretary general, said that even with its growing number, Kampi could not become a dominant party contrary to the statement of Interior Secretary Ronaldo Puno. Puno is Kampi secretary general.

"That's their wish, to be the dominant majority party. Others are wishing upon a star," Nograles said.

In recent days, Lakas members have joined Kampi after they were left out in the selection process. Also, many politicians view Kampi as more powerful because it is headed by the President herself.

Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr., Lakas president, already downplayed reports of a growing rift between the two parties.

He said Lakas and Kampi's goal was to defeat the opposition and that they knew they had to keep the "rainbow coalition" intact to achieve this.

Nograles said the reported rift was being peddled by the opposition.

"This strategy of divide and conquer won't work as it is very obvious that out political detractors want a Lakas versus Kampi scenario nationwide. Administration allies won't fight each other," he said.

Nograles said the opposition would be dismayed because the coalition was strong.

"We won't allow ourselves to be placed in this trap. The opposition will get a severe beating in the local polls. They know it and they just want to (muddle) the situation. I call on our allies not to be trapped," he said.

But while Lakas leaders were claiming that the coalition was strong, their local allies had started to position themselves against each other.

In North Cotabato for instance, Kampi is fielding Carmen Mayor Roger Taliño against Lakas bet Jesus Sacdalan in the gubernatorial race.

Sacdalan, the incumbent vice governor, has Governor Emmanuel Piñol as running mate.

"I have talked to Nogi (Nograles) and I have told him that some things are happening locally. This is a political season. The reality is that there is rivalry (among coalition members)," Piñol said.

inquirer.net