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Salonga ready to mediate in Drilon-Atienza rift


Former Senate president Jovito Salonga on Monday said he was willing to mediate between the two contending factions of the Liberal Party (LP) and help resolve the leadership crisis. Salonga, LP chairman emeritus, gave three conditions for his intervention. Salonga demanded that both Senate President Franklin Drilon and Manila Mayor Lito Atienza, who have been embroiled in a dispute for the LP presidency, must “avoid publishing self-serving propaganda." Animosities resurfaced last Thursday after Atienza's group held a national executive committee convention in Manila Hotel and held an “emergency" election. Atienza won the presidency. Presidential chief of staff Michael Defensor was chosen as the new chairman. Drilon and his supporters refused to recognize the election, insisting the national executive committee convention and election were “illegal." Drilon said only the party president could call for an executive committee convention. The Drilon-Atienza row began after Drilon's group withdrew support from President Arroyo and joined calls for her resignation. Atienza and his supporters remain loyal to the Arroyo administration. Salonga also said the two factions should “strive to be independent from external forces, especially from Malacañang. He said the Atienza faction should cease acting as a puppet President Arroyo." “Drilon should avoid asking the Commission on Elections to help settle the controversy," Salonga said. Salonga likewise appealed to Drilon and Atienza to “respect LP’s vision and program of government." Atienza said: “When he (Salonga) speaks, we should listen. Pakinggan natin ang kanyang payo."-GMANews.TV