The admission came following reports that she has secretly met – and forged an alliance – with former presidential aspirant Eddie Villanueva of Bangon Pilipinas reportedly with the condition that two of his leaders would be appointed to key Cabinet posts.
"We shall continue to reach out to all political groups in the spirit of just reconciliation as we galvanize our people behind a renewed surge of solidarity and nationalism driven by the train of domestic and international events,’’ she said in an official press statement.
Villanueva, along with the President’s closest rival, Fernando Poe Jr., has not conceded defeat to Arroyo whom they accused of benefiting from cheating in the elections.
Her two other rivals, Raul Roco and Sen. Panfilo Lacson, already accepted Arroyo’s victory. Both, however, denied they were offered plum posts under the new administration.
"There should be no barriers to principled unity in a democratic nation. What is past is past and the people have decided to move forward. This nation is ready to heal its wounds, embrace a collective leadership with pure heart, and get back to work on its urgent priorities.’’
Arroyo is also pursuing unity talks with the camps of former President Joseph Estrada and the late President Ferdinand Marcos as well as with the National Democratic Front-New People’s Army-Communist Party of the Philippines.
In a related development, Malacañang assured that the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is exerting efforts to secure the freedom of two Army soldiers – Army Lt. Ronaldo Fedelino and Pfc. Ronel Nemeno – from NPA rebels who abducted them last Feb. 29.
"Like any other hostage situation, efforts cannot be reported in detail, but definitely the AFP top brass are concerned about the safety and welfare of the soldiers,’’ presidential spokesman Ignacio Bunye said in his regular press conference.
Reconciliation effort
Lakas-CMD leaders yesterday hailed the political alliance being forged between President Arroyo and former presidential rival Eddie Villanueva, saying this boosted the reconciliation effort and even called on Fernando Poe Jr. to follow suit for the country’s welfare and interest.
Reps. Prospero Nograles of Davao City, Antonio Cuenco of Cebu City and Isidoro Real of Zamboanga del Sur said it is time for Poe to concede and undertake the noble work of helping the government pursue its national development agenda.
They added the reconciliation and alliance of the President and Villanueva were much-awaited by Filipinos who have yearned for an end to the political divisiveness caused by the May 10 polls.
"For the greater good, the President and Bro. Eddie have decided to unite again. If this was true, we thank Bro. Eddie for heeding the genuine reconciliation offer of the President," Nograles said.
Cuenco said that by complementing the President’s reconciliation thrust, Villanueva was being true to the Christian values he has been advocating and has put the country’s interest above his personal pride.
Real said that with the reported reconciliation, they expect the healing process to hasten and generate the needed public support for the President and her development agenda.
