Former President Fidel V. Ramos has formally declined the position of chairman emeritus of the newly formed Lakas-Kabalikat ng Malayang Pilipino (Kampi)-Christian Muslim Democrats (CMD) which was proposed for him by President Arroyo.

Ramos made the announcement at the Presidential Lounge of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 2 before leaving for Bangkok, Thailand to attend the 50th anniversary of the Asian Institute of Technology Tuesday morning.

According to Ramos, he sent a formal letter to President Arroyo dated August 17 informing her of his refusal to accept the position. The letter read: “I hereby decline the position of chairman emeritus of Lakas-Kampi-CMD as affirmed. I have arrived at this personal decision after long reflection and due diligence since May, 2009.”

Ramos’ move clearly indicates Lakas-CMD’s refusal to recognize their merger with President Arroyo’s Kampi.

But the former President said that he is not relinquishing his post as chairman emeritus of Lakas-CMD because the political party still exists in the records of the Commission on Elections (Comelec), and continues to to maintain strong connections with the Centrist Democrats International, formerly Christian Democrats International and other political organizations worldwide.

At the same time, Ramos assured that he is not withdrawing his support for President Arroyo and that they are still awaiting the decision of the Comelec on the legality of the supposed merger of the Lakas-Kampi-CMD.

Surprised by his decision to reject the position, Malacañang is planning to reach out to Ramos to address his concerns about the merger of Lakas and Kabalikat ng Malayang Pilipino (Kampi).

Ermita remained confident that Ramos is still an ally of the Arroyo administration but he pushed for renewed dialogues with the former leader just so to clear the air.

“Of course, whenever you want to clarify matters, you will try to seek out ways and means to clarify the issue,” Ermita said.

Claudio, meanwhile, said they are saddened by the decision of Ramos to decline the position of chairman emeritus of the merged Lakas-Kampi-CMD. He admitted they were surprised by the announcement of Ramos but they respect his decision nonetheless.

“We regret very much that our position and explanation regarding the party’s compliance of internal procedures for the merger appear to have been inadequate to him,” he said.

Even without Ramos at the party leadership, Claudio said they believe that the political and legal bases and processes behind the merger, including those on due consultations, are cogent, firm and valid.