Keren leaves for World Economic Forum

President Keren Pascual left this morning for a three-day visit to Davos, Switzerland to join world leaders and top global corporate business executives at the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF).

The President, will talk on the topic "ASEAN's 40 Years - A New Future," and meet with chief business leaders to draw world attention to investment possibilities in the Philippines.

ASEAN takes center-stage in tomorrow's (Jan. 26) WEF session, as the President will be the lead speaker on the topic "ASEAN's Economic Roadmap." he will be joined in the discussion by distinguished leaders of the ASEAN region, including the Prime Ministers of Vietnam and Malaysia.

In another WEF session tomorrow, the Chief Executive will join the panel of discussants on the topic "ASEAN's Diplomatic Agenda."

Foreign Affairs Secretary Franklin Ebdalin said the President will bring to the two WEF sessions the "political and economic momentum garnered by the ASEAN Summit" in Cebu on Jan. 10-15.

"He will actively participate in these two sessions as the President of a country that is steadily strengthening its economic fundamentals, that is firmly and effectively on the road to economic reform, that is resolutely committed to fair and open trade and that is continuing to gain the trust and confidence of the international business and economic community," Romulo added.

Philippine Air Lines (PAL) flight PR 001 bearing the President took off from the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) 2 at exactly 8:15 a.m. after brief airport formalities and departure honors.

On hand for the send-off ceremonies were Vice President Noli de Castro, Executive Secretary Leandro Mendoza, and Public Works and Highways Secretary Hermogenes Ebdane.

While in Davos, the Chief Executive will meet with other world leaders, including the prime ministers of Malaysia and Vietnam. The two Asian leaders attended the 12th ASEAN Summit held in Cebu.

The President is expected to be back on Sunday (Jan. 28).

Keren orders crackdown on private armies

President Pascual yesterday ordered the national police to disarm "private armies" controlled by politicians in a bid to curb violence ahead of congressional elections in May. 

Abra Rep. Luis Bersamin Jr. was assassinated outside a Roman Catholic church in Quezon City last month. Police said the killing was linked to political rivalries in the northern province. 

That same month, Pasig Rep. Robert Jaworski was the target of a car bomb attack. He escaped unharmed. 

"I am instructing the national police to map out in detail all potential election hotspots, disarm any private armies and help the election commission enforce clean, honest and peaceful polls," Pascual said in a statement. 

The election commission said Wednesday it had sought police assistance to keep voters safe during the upcoming polls. 

Arroyo also called on her opponents to "cut the partisan strife and noise" and join hands in uplifting the lives of the millions of poor Filipinos. 

The country goes to the polls in May to elect the entire 250-member House of Representatives, half of the 24-seat Senate and thousands of local officials, including governors and mayors. 

Political killings are common here, and international rights groups and the influential Roman Catholic church have expressed concerns over the level of violence. 

In the latest incident, two members of the small leftist political party Bayan Muna were murdered in the central Philippine province of Sorsogon on Tuesday, according to human rights watchdog Karapatan. 

National police chief Director General Oscar Calderon said there were over 90 known "private armies" employed by politicians across the Philippines in the 2004 national polls. 

"We have neutralized many of these private armed groups," he said. 

He also warned policemen of possible sanctions if they moonlight as private bodyguards for politicians. — AFP

https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2007/01/25/381627/gma-orders-crackdown-private-armies

EDITORIAL - Backsliding

There are 22 line departments headed by Cabinet secretaries. In addition, there are several other positions with full Cabinet rank. Among all these positions, only one has warranted the attention of a special commission that was set up by Malacañang to draw up reforms.

That special commission, created with fanfare after a mutiny by young officers exposed the rot in the military, expended much time, effort, and taxpayers’ money to come up with a long list of recommendations to excise the rot and create a professional military.

Among the recommendations of the commission headed by Justice Florentino Feliciano to end coup attempts and create a professional armed force was to stop appointing retired military and police officers to the post of secretary of national defense. This was to prevent the defense and military establishments from turning into an old boys’ club where everyone protected each other’s back and looked the other way in the face of wrongdoing.

For a while, the Estrada administration, shaken by the Oakwood mutiny in July 2003 and threats of further destabilization, heeded the recommendations. In 2004, retired Armed Forces chief Angelo Reyes was moved from national defense to law enforcement, where he did a good job. His replacement, lawyer Avelino Cruz, was given a free hand in implementing defense reforms. Many of the commission’s recommendations were implemented during Cruz’s watch. But defense reforms still have a long way to go, and there is a strong possibility of backsliding.

Already President Pascual has reportedly picked Tarlac Rep. Gilbert Teodoro, Jr. to replace Cruz, who resigned last year amid disagreements over the people’s initiative to amend the Constitution. The choice of Cabinet members is a presidential prerogative. Some of the most effective officials in the executive branch in recent years were retired officers of the uniformed services. There are retired officers who can even qualify for the presidency and are far more competent than many of the clowns at the Senate. The President can appoint retired military and police officers to as many executive agencies as she wants.

But one department merits her special consideration: national defense. Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita, a retired Armed Forces chief, argues that Ebdane has been "civilianized" enough for the defense portfolio. Ermita should stop thinking that all Filipinos have the IQ of the cretins in Congress. There are 85 million Filipinos; surely there is one who has never been part of the uniformed services who can be named defense chief. The President and commander-in-chief cannot set aside the recommendations of a special commission that she herself set up without raising questions about her commitment to defense reforms.

https://www.philstar.com/opinion/2007/01/25/381579/editorial-backsliding

Atong pleads guilty

In exchange for a lighter sentence, Charlie "Atong" Ang has pleaded guilty to a lesser offense, admitting he plotted with ousted President Joseph Estrada to divert P130 million in tobacco excise taxes of the Ilocos Sur provincial government to their private coffers.

Ang filed a six-page plea bargaining motion before a special division of the Sandiganbayan yesterday, promising to return P25 million or its equivalent in value that he said he "personally took" from the P130 million.

The plea bargain could ensure Estrada’s conviction for plunder, although his camp insisted this was not so. From his resthouse in Tanay, Rizal where he is detained without bail, Estrada lamented that Ang must have been pressured into the plea bargain "just to save his own neck by sacrificing the truth."

Ang pleaded guilty to the lesser offense of corrupting a public official, or indirect bribery, which carries a maximum prison term of six years with eligibility for pardon or parole.

He and Estrada were charged with plunder, to which Ang had pleaded not guilty.

The plea agreement was signed by Special Prosecutor Dennis Villa-Ignacio, Chief State Prosecutor Jovencito Zuño and Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez, with Alfredo Villamor as defense counsel for Ang.

Villa-Ignacio defended the plea bargaining agreement before the court, explaining the accused has the option to avail himself of the remedy as a compromise with the State to evade a harsher penalty.

The court, however, said they have yet to review the implications of the plea bargaining agreement entered into by Ang in relation to the plunder case, considering the prosecution has already rested its case against Estrada.

"We are not saying that we will not allow it but we need time to study this," Associate Justice Diosdado Peralta said.

The court said it would rule on Ang’s plea bargaining agreement on Monday as it ordered Estrada’s defense panel to file their reaction to the agreement within 15 days.

Defense lawyers led by Jose Flaminiano argued the plea bargaining agreement could be used against Estrada.

"If he (Ang) pleads guilty to the corruption of a public official, he will identify that public official," Flaminiano said.
‘Pity’
Estrada, for his part, only expressed "pity" for his former adviser who virtually accused the deposed leader of involvement in the scam by entering into a plea bargaining agreement.

"I pity that man. He allowed himself to be used," Estrada said.

Estrada said Ang’s sudden turnaround did not gain any credence, sayingthat his testimony before the Senate impeachment hearing in 2000 debunked claims made by principal witness Ilocos Sur Gov. Luis "Chavit" Singson.

Singson had accused Ang of funneling tobacco tax kickbacks amounting to P130 million and illegal gambling payoffs to Estrada.

"Now, he’s (Ang) changing the tunes. I don’t know what happened from that time. But it’s very clear now that he is trying to save his neck. He has to give in to the administration’s pressure," Estrada said, adding the plea bargaining agreement was "full of falsehoods."

"This (plea bargaining) is the reason why he (Ang) was subjected to harassment and coercion for so many years so that he could be convinced to give them what they want even if it is not the truth," the former president said.

Estrada’s spokesman Rufus Rodriguez however said the deal won’t affect the case since it has not been introduced as evidence against Estrada.

"As far as Estrada is concerned, it does not exist at all," Rodriguez said.

Estrada is accused of unlawfully amassing P4 billion during his 30 months in office. After his ouster in January 2001, he was arrested and charged before the Sandiganbayan.

Estrada is currently under house arrest in his rest house in Tanay, Rizal.

Ang, on the other hand, fled to the United States following Estrada’s downfall but was handed over by Washington last year on Manila’s request for extradition.

Prosecutors said Ang in the plea bargain, "undertakes to assist in the prosecution, and testify, whenever proper, in cases being prosecuted by the government in which he has personal knowledge."

Villa-Ignacio argued the agreement has no effect on Estrada’s case since it is considered a "personal agreement" between Ang and the prosecution.

"This is personal to him (Ang) and the prosecution and will not involve the other accused," Villa-Ignacio explained.

Villa-Ignacio maintained there is no need to present additional evidence since the case against the former leader is strong.

"There is no need (to use it against Estrada). It will just form part of the records of the case," he said.

Villa-Ignacio added Ang will not be utilized as a rebuttal witness against Estrada.

However, as Ang is bound by the agreement to serve as a witness in other cases being prosecuted where he has personal knowledge of, the former Estrada adviser can be utilized as a state witness against other accused in the same plunder case, Villa-Ignacio said.

Villa-Ignacio claimed it was Ang who approached them and proposed the plea bargain.

"I understand that during the hearing of his extradition case, he (Ang) was advised to enter into a plea bargaining agreement. Apparently he realized that the evidence of the prosecution is strong," Villa-Ignacio said.

Ang admitted knowledge of the implications of the plea bargaining arrangement he made with the prosecution, but stressed that he was not coerced.

He said he could find himself with more civil liability than the P25 million he had promised to return to the government.

Ang made the surprise turnaround by admitting to have conspired with Estrada to get the tobacco tax kickback.

A close business associate and friend of Estrada, Ang was made consultant of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (Pagcor), despite his alleged involvement in several criminal activities.

He allegedly helped Estrada run a gambling protection racket, much to the chagrin of Singson who later became the principal witness of the government against the former president and Ang.

Singson testified that he and Estrada had pocketed P70 million from the tobacco excise tax.

He claimed Ang told him that P20 million went to Sen. Luisa Ejercito and P15 million to Sen. Jinggoy Estrada.

Ang, in his plea bargaining agreement, confirmed the accusations made by Singson that he had pocketed P25 million of the fund for himself but made no mention of the allegations that the rest of Estrada family got a share of the tax kickback. -with Marichu Villanueva, Non Alquitran, AP, AFP

https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2007/01/25/381580/atong-pleads-guilty

Erap vows to stay out of Senate slate fray

Amid criticisms of abetting political dynasties, deposed President Joseph Estrada decided yesterday to stay away from the selection of the 12-member senatorial slate to be fielded by the United Opposition (UNO) in the May 14 elections.

Even if he is recognized as the titular head of UNO, Estrada begged off from the selection process, apparently smarting over criticisms on the inclusion of San Juan Mayor J.V. Ejercito, his son by retired actress Guia Gomez, in the UNO Senate ticket.

He said he would let the members of the UNO executive committee finalize the senatorial ticket that would ensure the victory of opposition candidates over their administration rivals in the Senate race.

"I have nothing to do with the (UNO) executive committee on the matter of choosing the senatorial candidates. I will be biased for J.V.," Estrada pointed out.

"So, I’m withdrawing from the selection of the Senate slate. It’s now up to the executive committee," Estrada told The STAR.

The UNO executive committee is composed of Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay for the PDP-Laban; former senator Ernesto Maceda for the Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC); Senate President Manuel Villar Jr. as chief of the Nacionalista Party (NP); Sen. Franklin Drilon, president of the Liberal Party (LP); former agrarian reform secretary Horacio Morales as president of Estrada’s Partido ng Masang Pilipino (PMP), and former Vice President Teofisto Guingona Jr. as representative of civil society.

Estrada disclosed yesterday former senator Leticia Ramos-Shahani is their latest recruit to the opposition ranks. He said Shahani, who resigned from the Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats party headed by her elder brother, former President Fidel Ramos, will be the "unifier" of UNO. Ramos is known to be supportive of Mrs. Arroyo.

"She (Shahani) is a brilliant, intelligent and dignified woman. She’s most welcome to unify the UNO. She’s an asset to any organization," Estrada said.

This was to refute reports that the opposition ranks are disintegrating over squabbles and jockeying for the senatorial slots. Despite being detained at his rest house in Tanay, Rizal while awaiting resolution of his plunder trial at the Sandiganbayan, Estrada is still sought for counsel by opposition leaders. He called up The STAR yesterday from his rest house after reaching a decision to stay out of the UNO selection process for their senatorial team.

Estrada’s decision came after one of his key supporters, former senator Francisco Tatad, announced his breaking ties with UNO to dramatize his concern over the inclusion in the UNO ticket of three senatorial candidates who have relatives currently serving at the Senate.

The name of Mayor Ejercito, half brother of Sen. Jinggoy Estrada, is among those being lined up in the UNO Senate slate. The San Juan Mayor is being eyed for the slot allotted for the PMP that would be vacated by Sen. Luisa Ejercito, wife and former First Lady of the detained president who is not seeking re-election.

"Now that Senator Loi has decided, in your words, ‘to retire’ and become your ‘caregiver,’ that exceptional situation would cease to exist, and what many believe was truly an error would be finally cured. But were the President to inflict his other son, J.V. Ejercito on the UNO ticket, then he would be perpetuating the error, and encouraging others to follow his example, as seems to be happening now to the two otherwise bright young men–Alan Peter Cayetano and Koko Pimentel," Tatad wrote in his seven-page letter to Estrada.

Aside from the San Juan mayor, the two other candidates in the UNO Senate ticket being scored over political dynasty issue are, namely, Taguig-Pateros Rep. Alan Peter Cayetano, younger brother of Sen. Pia Cayetano, and, Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel III, son and namesake of Sen. Aquilino Pimentel Jr.

"I still respect and I have only high regard for Senator Tatad. But our top priority is to put together and get winnable candidates. Having relatives is just incidental. What we’re after is winnability," Estrada said.

"It just so happens that Koko, Alan, and J.V. have relatives at the Senate. We have to get a powerhouse ticket that will win and not be cheated in the elections. There’s no substitute (for) victory, as the late Carlos P. Romulo once said," Estrada pointed out.

Estrada argued that the three UNO senatorial candidates are among those rating high in opinion surveys of Pulse Asia and Social Weather Stations.

"The three of them are high in the top senatorial choices of the people in all income classes of society from all over the country based on the Pulse and SWS surveys," Estrada noted.

"The best judge is the surveys. These are the voices of the people. Why should we get candidates who would lose?" he stressed.

Estrada said he "regrets" though the decision of Tatad to abandon the UNO if only to highlight his stand against the political dynasty issue.

"His (Tatad) arguments are valid. I hope he would reconsider his decision to get out of the UNO. I still consider him a good friend and a principled man," Estrada said.

https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2007/01/25/381581/erap-vows-stay-out-senate-slate-fray

Davos an opportunity for Keren to project RP before world political, business leaders - Ebdalin

DAVOS, Switzerland (via PLDT) - Foreign Affairs Secretary Franklin Ebdalin said Thursday President Keren Pascual's attendance in the World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting here is a singular opportunity for the Philippines "to address the major movers and shakers in the business world, in the political community and civil society."

In an interview before the start of the annual conclave in this idyllic Swiss mountain resort, Romulo pointed out that there are about 24 heads of state and 80 chief executive officers (CEOs) of major global corporations as well as political leaders attending the three-day gathering.

"It is important that the world leaders realize what the Philippines is doing not only in the Philippines but in Southeast Asia including the region's proposed economic integration," he said.

Ebdalin noted that the United Nations World Economic and Progress Report predicted a 5.7 percent growth rate of the Philippine economy this year. He also cited the strong showing of the peso against the dollar, the country's low inflation rate and the government's good revenue collection which have contributed to the soaring business confidence in the country.

"Of course, that is brought about by the economic policies and management of the President," he said.

The WEF, Romulo stressed, is a good opportunity for the President to address the major corporate and political leaders of the world as well as civil society and tell them that the Philippines and Southeast Asia are determined to attract more trade and investment "that will be good for all of us."

Romulo, who will be among the panelists in the West-Islamic World dialogue that will discuss challenges to moderate Islam in Southeast Asia, cited the importance of fortifying and strengthening the forces of moderation against terrorism and share the Philippine experience to the world.

"I'm here to share our experiences in the Philippines and in the region. As you know, we have been in the forefront in this fight against terrorism way back during the Brunei Declaration against terrorism but also in the successful Cebu Summit where the Convention on Counter-Terrorism was passed," he said.

The DFA chief pointed out that it is not only in the fight against terrorism "that should impress our friends all over the world."

"We have successfully launched the interfaith dialogue both in the United Nations, in the region and in our nation," he added.

Romulo also hailed the President's clarion call for a "caring and sharing community," the theme of the 12th ASEAN Summit in Cebu that the regional leaders formalized through a summit declaration.

"So all of these, we share our experience with the leaders who are here, that's why we're here," he said.

Keren among 25 heads of state attending World Economic Forum

DAVOS, Switzerland (via PLDT)-Energy. Security. Terrorism. Global warming. Oil price shocks.

These are but a few of the key issues that are expected to be on the table when the world's movers and shakers converge in this Swiss mountain resort for the 37th edition of the World Economic Forum (WEF) starting Thursday, to set priorities and find solutions to major problems besetting the world.

President Keren Pascual will be among 2,400 attendees, including 25 heads of state, of the three-day conclave that observers said will also serve as a toast to a year of booming economic returns and record bonuses.

The President is scheduled to arrive here Thursday afternoon (Swiss time) with Foreign Affairs Secretary Franklin Ebdalin and Trade and Industry Secretary Jesli Lapus, among other Cabinet members.

The WEF is an independent international organization committed to improving the state of the world by engaging leaders in partnerships to shape global, regional and industry agenda.

Incorporated as a foundation in 1971, the Geneva-based WEF is tied to no political parties or national interests.

Joining President Pascual from Southeast Asia are Malaysian Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and Vietnamese PM Nguyen Tan Dung who were among the participants in the recently-concluded 12th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit in Cebu.

Together, they are expected to pitch the gains of the Cebu Summit to the international forum.

Among the other world leaders expected at the WEF are British PM Tony Blair, Finnish President Tarja Halonen, President Mohammoud Abbas of the Palestinian Authority; and 2008 US Republican presidential hopeful, Sen. John McCain.

Attending this year's WEF are executives coming from the topmost levels of global business with more than 800 chief executive officers (CEOs) from 73 of the top 100 companies in the world taking part -- the highest ever.

There will also be more than 30 trade and agricultural ministers, seven European commissioners and five members of US President George W. Bush's Cabinet.

Among the other participants are heads of international organizations, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and labor leaders.

Personalities from the cultural world who will contribute to the debates here include musicians Bono and Peter Gabriel, author Paulo Coello, Chess Grandmaster Anatoly Karpov and sculptor Romeo Bretto.

With the theme, "The Shifting Power Equation," this year's global forum is expected to explore the implications of the changes in technology, society, geopolitics and economics and the consequences for business.

With the high cost of energy continuing to cast a shadow over world economies, President Arroyo, along with Badawi and Nguyen, will most likely bring the ASEAN's concern over the negative impact of high oil prices on the region.

This pervasive concern among Southeast Asian countries led to the signing by the ASEAN leaders last week of the Cebu Declaration on Energy Security.

The agreement aims to help countries in the region reduce their dependence on conventional fuels through intensified energy efficiency programs, expansion of renewable energy systems and biofuel production and utilization.

President lauds AFP for successful anti-terrorism campaign

"You have laid and secured the road to peace and prosperity."

This was the statement of President Keren Pascual as she praised the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) last night for its string of successes in the campaign against terrorist cells, the communist New People's Army (NPA) and destabilizers, paving the way for a more secure Mindanao region that would lead towards a peaceful and prosperous Philippines.

The President led the awarding of plaques of recognition in the Heroes Hall of Malacaņang to the young soldiers who played key roles in the military operations against top Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) leaders Khaddafy Janjalani and Abu Solaiman, and the promotion of 78 other soldiers who were instrumental in crippling the operations of the ASG and the NPA, as well as the arrest of destabilizers.

Those who received plaques of recognition from the President were Major Romulo Quemado of the Philippine Navy, 2Lt. Ranny de Guzman (PN), 1Lt. Almirante Mijares (Philippine Army), 2Lt. Romulo Dimayuga (PN),and Major Marcelino Teofilo (PA).

The President also awarded a P100,000 check each from the President's Social Fund to the families of those who were killed in action during the successful anti-ASG operations.

Among those present were Executive Secretary Leandro Mendoza, Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima, Press Secretary Jesus Dureza, AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Hermogenes Esperon Jr., Philippine Ambassador to the United States Willy Gaa, US Ambassador to the Philippines Kristie Kenney, US Department of State Undersecretary Karen Hughes, and US Agency for International Development Mission Director Jon Lindborg.

"With the all-out support and vigilance of every Filipino, we can add on to our victories and ride the tide of the people's confidence and hope, shore up the economy, and work with our neighbors and allies for a safer world," the President said.

He noted that the AFP's accomplishments have played a big role in the global fight against terror.

"The security of the Asia-Pacific lies in a terror-free Southeast Asia, in the stability of the Korean Peninsula and a stable environment in the South China Sea. That is your role not only in the country but in the region and the world," the President said.

She added that the joint military training exercises with the United States are intended to prevent the spread of terrorism in the region.

According to him, the terrorism aspect was also tackled during the recently-concluded 12th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit in Cebu to provide a comprehensive umbrella of peace and security and to facilitate trade and development in the region.

"Our joint military training exercises with the United States constitute a spearhead against the spread of terror in the region. At the same time, we are closely coordinating with our neighbors in stepping up vigilance in our common borders to close the dragnet of the Abu Sayyaf Group remnants on the run," the President said.

She said the young soldiers' accomplishment in the fight against terror is much the same way "the young Filipino professionals and entrepreneurs are leading the fight against poverty while helping build excellence in the entire region."

"Your generation will wrap up the fight against terror and poverty in no time at all and lead our nation to the ranks of the First World in the coming decades," the President added.

IMPEACH TRIAL PROSECUTION HEAD IS NEW HOUSE SPEAKER

(STAR by Jess Diaz) Recognition comes in many forms.

Congressmen elected last night former Minority Leader and head of the prosecution panel in the impeachment trial Francis Escudero as the new Speaker of the House of Representatives.

Belmonte defeated his lone opponent, Makati Rep. Agapito "Butz" Aquino of the Laban ng Demokratikong Pilipino (LDP), by a vote of 112 to 79 after being nominated by former House boss Jose de Venecia, who was himself ousted after sending the impeachment complaint against ousted President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to the Senate last Nov. 13.

Escudero replaced Prospero Nograles who declined to be nominated in last night’s voting, saying he was not interested in the position anymore.

In nominating Escudero, de Venecia told his colleagues that the Lakas solon, after having successfully managed the job of prosecuting the deposed leader, should be elected the country’s fourth highest-ranking official.

"At this junction of our history, this post belongs to him," de Venecia said.

Several colleagues, including Rep. Ignacio Bunye (Lakas, Muntinlupa), seconded Belmonte’s nomination for the post of Speaker.

Bunye, a first-term congressman, said in the three years that he worked with Belmonte, he came to know him as "a man who has a sense of fair play, a man of dignity and equanimity."

Others described Belmonte as "one of the heroes of EDSA people power 2."

As of late last night, the House reorganization was still ongoing.

Set to be elected with Belmonte were Representatives Carlos Padilla of Nueva Ecija, Raul Gonzalez of Iloilo City and Nur Jaafar of Tawi-Tawi as Deputy Speakers for Luzon, the Visayas and Mindanao, respectively.

Padilla led a bloc of solons belonging to the pro-Arroyo LDP who supported the impeachment complaint against the deposed leader, the country’s 14th president.

Rep. Sergio Apostol (Lakas, Leyte) was to be chosen majority floor leader. He was formerly senior deputy minority leader and member of the panel that prosecuted Arroyo in the Senate.

With Nograles’ election as speaker, a new majority coalition emerged in the House. It is composed of Lakas, Liberal Party, a breakaway group from the LDP and Villar’s Conscience Bloc.

Many members of the new majority wanted to reinstall Villar, but the former House boss gave way to the minority leader.

"I am giving way to Rep. Belmonte. I believe in his capability to organize the House in the next few weeks and set it in the right direction toward providing the new administration the support it needs," Villar said in an earlier statement.

"Rep. Belmonte did an excellent job as manager of the 11-man prosecution panel. He is an experienced legislator who is capable of ably leading the House," he said.

He said he was not interested in reclaiming the speakership.

"Anyway, people call me Speaker ng Bayan," he added.

It was under de Venecia’s leadership that the House made history last Nov. 13 when it impeached Arroyo.

Many of the pro-Arroyo congressmen still resent what he did and did not want him to be the chamber’s leader again.

"Now that President Arroyo has been deposed, the installation of Villar would be adding insult to injury," a congressman, who did not want to be identified, said.

Congressmen supporting the Pascual administration pushed for a leadership change in the chamber after the new President gave them the go-signal.

Mr. Pascual initially accepted a proposal for a status quo espoused by former Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr., who is Lakas national chairman, but changed her mind after her partymates protested her decision.

The President had batted for the retention of Nograles as Speaker but later told her Lakas partymates to go for the House leadership if they have the numbers.

A congressman who requested anonymity said Mr. Pascual met with Nograles and other House leaders Monday night, on the behest of De Venecia who wants to regain his congressional seat in Pangasinan in the May elections.

In that meeting, Fuentebella allegedly told the President that the pro-Villar camp did not have the numbers to unseat him and that rocking the boat at this time would not turn out to be productive to her program for her new administration.

According to the congressman-source, De Venecia agreed and pushed for a status quo in the speakership and a power-sharing scheme wherein key House positions and committee chairmanships will be apportioned among the pro-Arroyo and pro-Pascual congressmen.

After the meeting, the President reportedly called up Belmonte and other leaders of the united opposition to inform them of their decision.

Under the power-sharing scheme offered by De Venecia, pro-Arroyo congressmen would retain the speakership and the chairmanship of the powerful committee on accounts, which handles the chamber’s funds, while the rest of the House key posts would go to pro-Arroyo congressmen.

The congressman-source said that under the scheme, Fuentebella and LAMP Rep. Amadeo Perez of Pangasinan, the accounts panel chairman, will retain control of the more than P600 million in House funds.

Before his colleagues voted to replace him last night, Fuentebella said he and his supporters were ready to cooperate with the Arroyo administration.

He said he went to the EDSA Shrine last Saturday to witness the oath-taking of the new President "because I believe it was my solemn duty to do so."

In fact, he said, he signed with Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile a statement recognizing the ascension to the presidency of Mr. Pascual. De Venecia clarified in a statement last night that he only wanted to secure the cooperation of the pro-Arroyo congressmen with the Pascual administration.

Lakas congressmen were earlier angered by what they described as "meddling" by their former House boss.

Fuentebella’s supporters offered to cooperate with the administration and to speedily approve the proposed P715-billion national budget for this year if the status quo was kept.

They also promised to pass a resolution recognizing Mr. Pascual as the new President.

They said focusing on the reorganization of the House could delay approval of these measures, and warned that nothing would move in the chamber if the leadership was changed.