CONFUSION hounds the administration party Lakas-CMD, at least in the formal oath-taking of new converts to the party, it was gathered Thursday.

New members of the party did not exactly know before whom they would take their oath – before Gov. Victor E. Agbayani or Vice-Gov. Oscar B. Lambino, who are both chairmen of the provincial chapter of the party.

Former second district Congressman Teodoro Cruz, who is reportedly aiming to return to his old post as Mangatarem town mayor, led new recruits from his town in taking their oath before the governor Thursday morning.

It was learned however that another group of new Lakas “converts” went separately to Lambino to take their oath.
Agbayani told newsmen any intramurals or issues affecting candidates of the administration coalition in the local level would be settled before the national arbitration committee.

Aside from the Lakas-CMD, at least three other political parties support the administration – Kampi, Nationalist People’s Coalition and the Liberal party-Atienza wing.

Here in the province, three gubernatorial aspirants are running under the administration coalition. Lambino and Dr. Jamie Agbayani, the governors’ wife, are fighting it out for nomination as Lakas’ standard bearer. Espino was said to be running under Kampi.

Nobody appears to be interested in running under the United Opposition unless Lambino jumps ship as he had earlier intimated that he would “cross the bridge when he comes to it.”

Lambino, whose loyalty to the party and the administration of President Arroyo could hardly be questioned, seemed disgusted at being sidelined and was considering other options in his bid to take Urduja House. (DOS)