Following the mass oathtaking of more than 700 provincial and municipal officials and key political leaders in Camarines Sur last October 31, 2006 who joined the Kabalikat ng Malayang Pilipino (KAMPI) a wave of defections both from the administration Lakas- CMD-NUCD and the opposition has swept the country to bolster the ranks of the party founded no less by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. Most prominent and significant of these political upheavals were in Pampanga, home province of President Arroyo where 17 of 22 mayors led by Vice Gov. Joseller Guiao took their oath on November 16 as new KAMPI members leaving in the process Lakas. Bataan Rep. Albert Garcia, KAMPI national treasurer and Central Luzon chair, administered the oath.

“I was sent here by our national president, Congressman Louie Villafuerte, to administer the oath”, Garcia said.

In Surigao City last November 20 opposition leaders belonging to the Liberal Party-Drilon Wing headed by former Gov. Francisco Matugas also bolted the opposition party and formally affiliated with KAMPI.

Considered to be the last remaining opposition group in the Caraga Region until they abandoned the LP-Drilon Wing and joined KAMPI, the Matugas group said the decision was made to accelerate development of Surigao.

Their appointments were signed by Congressman Villafuerte as KAMPI national president and Rep. Emigdio Tanjuatco, KAMPI secretary general.

In Camarines Sur, three congressional aspirants all considered certain to win are with KAMPI.

Presidential son Dato Arroyo who is running unopposed in the First District is a KAMPI member. Congressman Villafuerte is seeking reelection in the Second District unless unforeseen events should impel him to seek other posts while Congressman Felix “Nancing” Alfelor, Jr. in the Fourth District is an old KAMPI member.

Meanwhile, Congressman Villafuerte also disclosed that KAMPI municipal slates throughout Camarines Sur are now being organized.

In the Third District, official KAMPI candidates will be headed by mayoralty aspirants Ray Dizon in San Jose, former Mayor Delfin Pilapil, Jr. in Lagonoy, Agnes Begino in Presentacion, Vice Mayor Redito Clariño in Tigaon and Atty. Ernesto Alarcon in Goa.