In a briefing shortly after the Chief Executive arrived this morning at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport from the week-long official visits to South Korea and Russia with some members of the Cabinet, Press Secretary Cerge Remonde said the President herself has confirmed—with the merger of Lakas Kampi CMD recently—that the elections will push through in 2010.

Asked if the President intends to run for Congress in 2010, Remonde said she does not.

He said that all the grim scenarios are being painted by the opposition because of the coming “election season.”

“In every election season you expect anything, including dirt to be thrown your way,” Remonde said.

He reiterated that the President has not, in any way, interfered with the functions of Congress in the charter change or ConAss issue. “So why is the opposition insisting she had a hand in ConAss?” Remonde asked.

He said the Palace respects the democratic rights of everyone “to express their dissent and feelings about anything, but they must do the same within the boundaries of the law.”

The President was met at the airport by Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita, Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro, and P/Supt. Jesus Versoza, among others. Her plane arrived at 8 a.m. and upon acknowledging those who welcomed her and her party, the President boarded her car after briefly meeting with some officials.

A busy week awaits the President to be started by a trip to Porac tomorrow, a Cabinet meeting at the State Dining Room on Tuesday and series of trips to Mindanao within the week.

Remonde said the President is calling “next week” a meeting of the Legislative Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC), which was created by her predecessor, former President Fidel V. Ramos. (PIA-Pagadian)

Last update: 14-06-2009 04:42