Enrile target of discredit moves–UNA

Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile. FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—The opposition coalition on Saturday rallied behind Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile, saying that the controversy surrounding his selective cash-giving spree to colleagues in the upper chamber last Christmas was a political move intended to discredit him.

The United Nationalist Alliance (UNA) backed Enrile, a member of its executive committee, after the senator was exposed for giving out P1.6 million each to 18 senators.

“There are certain parties who will use this supposed controversy to advance their own agenda of instigating a leadership change in the Senate. Such a move would be ill-advised and politically provocative,” UNA said in a statement.

Apparently referring to the ruling Liberal Party (LP), UNA said the issue could be part of “an attempt to malign the character” of Enrile after he and other coalition leaders expressed support for suspended Cebu Gov. Gwen Garcia.

Meanwhile, UNA leaders have started their visits to provinces to meet with local leaders.

The opposition coalition, an alliance of deposed President Joseph Estrada’s Pwersa ng Masang Pilipino and Vice President Jejomar Binay’s Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan, is set for a swing across the Cagayan Valley this week.

Last week, UNA members visited officials and coalition leaders in a two-day run across several Batangas towns and cities.

“These are not yet sorties but visits, courtesy calls on officials. It’s about talking to them, opening possibilities,” said UNA secretary general Navotas Rep. Toby Tiangco.