Only senators in LP-NP coalition can plan Enrile ouster–Lacson

Senator Panfilo Lacson. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — Only a coalition between Liberal Party and Nacionalista Party senators can make an ouster move against Senate President Juan Ponce- Enrile succeed, a senator said on Wednesday.

The two parties – the LP being headed by President Benigno Aquino III and the NP of Senator Manny Villar – are in a coalition for the senatorial race in 2013.

“I would like to believe that those who say that they are no longer satisfied with Senate President Juan Ponce- Enrile’s leadership constitute a small minority. The others are simply driven by ambition either for themselves or in behalf of their principal,” Senator Panfilo Lacson said in a text message, reacting to Enrile’s confirmation of the alleged ouster move against him.

“My own count is that if the NP and LP senators plus one or two more coalesce and agree to install a common candidate, they surely have the votes,” he said.

Lacson quickly said that he would not be the additional senator, who would go against Enrile.

“Me, no way,” he said.

But Lacson said the least that the LP could do to Enrile for supporting the President’s legislative agenda was “to participate in a conspiracy to oust him.”

“They should at least wait for the next Congress when the political landscape in the Senate may be different,” he said.

Asked if this meant that the LP was involved in this fresh ouster move, Lacson said, “I’m not saying that. I’m just telling you the numbers and possibilities.”