• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Bacolod City Mayor Alfredo Abelardo “Albee” Benitez is leading a new political movement called Kilusang ng Nagkakaisang Pilipino (KNP).
Benitez disclosed during a press briefing at the Bacolod City Government Center that KNP is a “movement design to bring unity to everybody.”
“We should be united in servicing our country,” he said.
Ironically, the political movement surfaced following the leadership shakeup at the House of Representatives, with former president Gloria Macapagal Arroyo demoted from Senior Deputy Speaker to Deputy Speaker.
Her demotion was due to her alleged involvement in a coup intended to steal the speakership from Rep. Martin Romualdez, the first cousin of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
Adding fuel to the fire was Vice President Sara Duterte’s resignation from Arroyo’s party, Lakas-CMD, on May 19.
Benitez clarified that the political movement, which they will file for accreditation before the Commission on Elections, was decided “a long time ago.”
“We felt a call for unity us really what the country needs,” he stressed.
Because of that calling, Benitez said they decided to formalize it through a political party.
KNP is reportedly initially composed of seasoned former and active lawmakers who are big names in their respective provinces.
Benitez disclosed that the KNP movement is existing in 18 provinces.
He also confirmed that a “few people” have expressed their intention to join the KNP. “But let us finish first the process of its accreditation. For now, it is still a movement,” the mayor said.
Asked if the Visayan bloc, which he formerly served as the convenor, will join KNP, Benitez again said “we will go to the process first, before asking them.”
Asked further if the creation of KNP has the blessing of President Marcos Jr., he replied “I think he knows about it, especially now.”
Once it will be accredited as a national political party, Benitez said they will ask for an audience with the President.
During initial meetings, Benitez said they organized an initial set of officers, which will be followed by an election.
The Comelec is set for the hearing for KNP’s petition for registration today.*
