MANILA, Philippines – The Laban ng Demokratikong Pilipino (LDP) party is likely to coalesce with President Benigno Aquino III’s Liberal Party (LP) by the end of the month, after LDP gave its chairman and president Sen Edgardo Angara full authority to form an alliance with another party for the 2013 elections.

On Friday, August 17, party members gathered for its national council meeting where new members from across the country were pledged into LDP and the permission to coalesce was formalized.

Angara said the two parties are now in advanced talks and that the chances of a coalition are “very high.” He said he has been in talks with LP president Mar Roxas and vice-president Franklin Drilon over the past 3 months. 

Talks began after the President endorsed his son, Aurora Rep Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara, as a possible senatorial candidate. 

He said the prospective coalition would only affect candidates on a national level, and not local alliances, and added that he believes LDP has much to offer the ruling party despite its small size. 

There are only 2 LDP members in the House — the younger Angara and Bohol Rep (1st district) Rene Relampagos — and one in the Senate. The party has a total of 139 elected officials in its fold, more than 70 per cent of whom are local councilors.

“We may not be the biggest and most dominant party, but our continued success only means that our connection with our constituents is strong and enduring, based on a solid track record of service,” he said. “Our members are not fair-weathered friends because they stay with the party based on shared principles and values.”

While the list has yet to be official, members also assured the younger Angara of their support in his plans to run for senator.

Rep Angara has denied accusations of early campaigning after he was one of other senatorial hopefuls slammed for joining Aquino in various engagements in recent days, including relief distributions following the floods brought about by the monsoon rain. 

Aquino said his party is hoping to come out with the final senatorial slate by next month.- Rappler.com

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