Statement of LP President Franklin Drilon on the Comelec decision invalidating Atienza's rump election as LP President

I hail the decision of the Comelec declaring Mayor Atienza's rump party elections at the Manila Hotel last March 2, 2006 as illegal and therefore null and void.

Our actions have always been consistent with the Constitution and by-laws of the Party and I never doubted that the legality of our case would be upheld by the Comelec and any other court of law.

I now appeal to all our Party members to let this Comelec ruling signal the beginning of the reunification of the Party whose tradition of principled politics and dedication to good governance continue to serve as a fountain of hope for many Filipinos.

I say, let the healing process begin.

There is much to be done to achieve the aspirations for political, economic and social reforms laid down by the LP founders 60 years ago. We must not let them down.

Our differences brought about by petty political interests are too insignificant compared to the noble LP mission to bring about an equitable, just and progressive Filipino society.

Once again, I extend my hand of friendship to all Liberals who share our vision of making LP the dominant political party in the Philippines in the near future. As destiny would have it, the LP is the party of the future.