Ramos, Arroyo appear uneasy with each other's presence at PNP rites

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and former President Fidel Ramos appeared uneasy with each other's presence at the National Police anniversary rites in Camp Crame Wednesday. Radio dzBB reported that Ramos and Arroyo greeted each other but appeared to be avoiding each other during the program marking the 17th anniversary of the PNP. The two greeted each other only during the middle of the program, the report said. The report described Ramos and Arroyo as "very formal" and even avoided eye contact. Ramos is a supporter of ousted Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr, while Arroyo's party-mates supported the ouster move. Ramos is a key official of Lakas while Arroyo founded the Kabalikat ng Malayang Pilipino. Earlier, dzEC radio reported that officials of Lakas and Kampi were planning to merge in time for the 2010 elections. Lakas official Prospero Pichay said as far as Lakas is concerned, 90 percent of its members are amenable to merging with Kampi. Both Lakas and Kampi were part of the administration coalition that fielded candidates in the 2004 and 2007 elections. Pichay said both parties are aware of the need to prepare and join forces in time for the 2010 elections. - GMANews.TV