JEDDAH: The former Speaker of the House of Representatives of the Philippines Jose de Venecia issued a statement recently condemning the May 28 merger of the administration parties LAKAS-CMD and KAMPI, saying the move unfairly consolidates power and is “being used to perpetuate President (Gloria Macapagal) Arroyo in power.” De Venecia said “a self-seeking cabal has taken over our Lakas-CMD, hijacked its good name, and claimed its prestige,” referring activists within the Lakas-Christian-Muslim Democrats that helped to approve the merger.