MANILA, Philippines -- President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's chief political adviser called on members of the two main parties in the administration coalition to "rise above parochial politics" and heed her call to merge in preparation for the 2010 elections.

On Thursday, Arroyo said the Lakas Christian Muslim Democrats and the Kabalikat ng Malayang Pilipino (Kampi, Partner of the Free Filipino) should merge and "fight side by side" in next year's general elections, despite the opposition of some of their members.

"Of course, there are some difficulties because of difference[s] between certain personalities, as well as political conflicts at the local level, but these obstacles are not insurmountable," said Presidential Political Adviser Gabriel Claudio.

"What is important is for both Lakas and Kampi to rise above parochial politics as they foreswore to do and look at the bigger picture of national interest," he said.

Arroyo has appointed Claudio to head a committee that will pursue the merger of Lakas and Kampi.

Claudio is senior deputy secretary general of Lakas.

Arroyo is chairman of Lakas and the founder of Kampi.