Lakas-CMD eyeing coalition with Sara Duterte’s HNP, says Pichay

Like other national political parties, the Lakas-Christian Muslims Democrats (CMD) is also looking to forge alliance with Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio's regional party Hugpong ng Pagbabago (HNP).

In a press conference, Lakas stalwart Surigao Del Sur Representative Prospero Pichay said Lakas-CMD might sign with HNP if given the chance.

"If we have the chance, why not?" Pichay told reporters. "We'll pursue that direction definitely."

Several national and regional political parties last week coalesced with HNP.

These include the National Unity Party, the Nationalist People's Coalition, and the Nacionalista Party.

Pichay, however, said Lakas-CMD a national political party which already has a long history, and it has the capacity by itself to recruit more members.

"Ang Lakas naman is an old party, so we'll try to recruit more members both from national and local officials and let's see what's going to happen," he said.

In October last year, Lakas-CMD's former chair, Speaker Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, took her oath as a member of the ruling party, PDP-Laban.

Pichay said that while he was unsure if Arroyo would return to Lakas-CMD, her "heart" was with Lakas.

Meanwhile, Pichay said Lakas-CMD is eyeing to former Leyte Representative Martin Romualdez and detained former Senator Ramon "Bong" Revilla Jr. to run for senatorial posts under the party's banner.

"We haven't decided yet. But you know, Cong. Martin Romualdez. We can also tap Bong Revilla if he can still run. So these are the two," he said.

As for Arroyo, Pichay said he has yet to talk to her about her plans after her term at the Lower House ends.

"But I [believe] after her term in Congress, she is going to retire. I'm not really sure," he added.

Arroyo replaced Davao Del Norte Representative Pantaleon Alvarez at the helm of the House of Representatives on July 23, the day of President Rodrigo Duterte's third State of the Nation Address.

Alvarez also belongs to PDP-Laban, serving as its secretary-general. —NB, GMA News