Koko sacrificed for 3 Arroyo allies

Pwersa ng Masang Pilipino (PMP), which earlier merged with Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban), should throw its full support behind Sen. Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III’s stand to exclude Juan Miguel Zubiri from the 2013 senatorial lineup of the United Nationalist Alliance (UNA).

As the PDP-Laban president, Pimentel deserves the respect and backing of the members of the party his father—former Senate President Aquilino “Nene” Pimentel Jr.—co-founded with close political allies. Otherwise, the PDP-Laban president might be perceived as a weak leader by its members and supporters.

The PMP leadership should not force Koko Pimentel to accept Zubiri as part of UNA’s 2013 senatorial lineup, considering that there are other more deserving and acceptable senatorial aspirants.

Since it is clear that Zubiri has deserted his former party like a rat does a sinking ship, he is now viewed by many as a political butterfly and an opportunist who deserves to be ostracized.

Yet, the PMP has chosen to accommodate Zubiri—like two of former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s close allies—into its fold and then force the PDP-Laban to accept them at the expense of Senator Pimentel.

The senator would be more prudent if he forms an alliance with the Liberal Party should the PMP insist on Zubiri’s inclusion in the UNA senatorial slate.

—MELCHOR AMADO JR.,

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