UNA calls LP ‘hypocrites’ over alliance with Arroyo supporters

Former President and now Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo

MANILA, Philippines — The United Alliance (UNA) on Tuesday turned the tables on the administration coalition, calling some of its members “hypocrites” for forging an alliance with personalities identified with former President and now Pampanga Representative Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

“There are those in the administration coalition who are attempting to recast themselves as true-blue believers in reform and good governance. The truth is that these personalities were among the most rabid defenders of Mrs. Arroyo when she was in power, but have found it politically convenient to wear yellow and proclaim themselves as advocates of Tuwid na Daan,” UNA secretary general and Navotas Representative Toby Tiangco said in a statement.

“These political hypocrites know who they are,” Tiangco said.

Most of those who belittled the late Fernando Poe Jr and those who blocked the impeachment case of Arroyo, he said, were not part of the administration.

“Nandiyan pa ang mga nagsabing handa silang kupkupin si Mrs. Arroyo sa kanilang probinsya kung ayaw na ng mga taga-Metro Manila sa kanya. Ganyan ang klase ng suporta na ibinigay kay Mrs. Arroyo ng mga ngayon ay nagmamalinis at pumuposturang maka-reporma,” he said.

Unlike these people, Tiangco said the leaders and members of UNA have proven their commitment to truth, freedom, and good governance

“Mula pa noong panahon ng batas militar, noong Rebolusyon sa EDSA, at hanggang administrasyon ni Mrs. Arroyo, naroon at lumaban ang marami sa mga kasapi ng UNA,” he said.

UNA also clarified that its support for President Bnigno Aquino III was “beyond question”.

In the Senate for instance, UNA said its allies have firmly stood behind the President’s legislative priorities and even pointed out how its members voted in the impeachment trial of ousted Chief Justice Renato Corona.

“UNA should be seen as a partner of the Aquino administration. We are not obstructionist critics.  We will support and commend programs and policies that will benefit our people. But we will also point out shortcomings and misguided policies. This we owe to the people,” Tiangco said.

“We believe that the reform agenda of our President is best served not by blind obedience but by responsible vigilance. We must make sure that the abuse of power for personal and political ends and the widespread corruption and misuse of public funds during the previous regime will not be repeated,” he added.