Members of PDP-Laban to resolve issues hounding party – Benitez

Members of the ruling Partido Demokratiko Pilipino–Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) are set to meet on Thursday to resolve issues hounding the party, Negros Occidental 3rd District Rep. Alfredo Benitez said on Tuesday.

Benitez has been assigned to unify the two factions of the PDP-Laban at the House of Representatives. The two groups consist of those members who remained loyal to former Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez during the change in leadership, and those who voted for former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo as Speaker.

READ: PDP-Laban tries to find common ground between factions

In a press briefing on Tuesday, Benitez, who heads the Visayas bloc in the House that backed Arroyo’s speakership, said their meeting would be held at the Seda hotel in Quezon City.

Benitez added that Alvarez remains as the party’s secretary general, as there were no discussions made to replace him or any other official of the party.

Benitez also said appeals that Arroyo should be given a position in the political party had not been discussed.

“As of now walang request, walang movement, walang proposition to that effect. But come this Thursday, siguro this will be discussed,” he said.

Benitez also defended Alvarez’s move to join the House minority bloc, saying it is within his own prerogative.

The lawmaker also said Alvarez did not violate any party principle by becoming a part of the chamber’s minority. /muf

READ: PDP-Laban faction rejects Pimentel, Alvarez leadership