Serge Osmeña quitting LP because of Recto - sources

It's a case of "you win some, you lose some" for Liberal Party (LP) with the impending departure of former Senator Sergio Osmeña III. Sources said Osmeña, who was supposed to be included in LP's senatorial lineup, is not in favor of the entry of former Senator Ralph Recto in the ticket. Recto, along with his wife Batangas governor Vilma Santos, left the ruling Lakas-Kampi-CMD party to join LP, which will have Senators Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III and Manuel "Mar" Roxas II as its presidential and vice-presidential bets, respectively, in the 2010 polls. Osmeña talked with LP officials last Monday to air his misgivings, according to the sources. Osmeña allegedly questioned LP's decision to accept a former ally and Cabinet official of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo who did not oppose or resist the administration's alleged corrupt practices. Recto, as a senator, pushed for the passage of the expanded value added tax (E-VAT), which many say cost him his reelection bid in 2007. The sources said Osmeña believes Recto's inclusion in the LP ticket would contradict Aquino and Roxas' advocacy on new politics and reforms. Asked to confirm Osmena's move, LP campaign manager Florencio "Butch" Abad said the party "is in the process of looking into the reservations of Senator Osmeña." - GMANews.TV