Koalisyon ng Nagkakaisang Pilipino
The Koalisyon ng Nagkakaisang Pilipino (English: Coalition of United Filipinos), also known as the United Opposition, was the electoral alliance of the dominant opposition in the Philippines during the 2004 Philippine general election. The KNP was composed of Laban ng Demokratikong Pilipino, Partido Demokratiko Pilipino–Lakas ng Bayan and Pwersa ng Masang Pilipino.[1] The main core of the KNP was the Angara wing of the LDP, which split in late 2003 over the issue of who would be its standard bearer. Majority of LDP members led by Senator Edgardo Angara supported the presidential bid of actor Fernando Poe Jr. The other major party under the coalition was the PMP of deposed president Joseph Estrada. The KNP fielded Poe and Loren Legarda as its candidates for president and vice president in the 2004 Philippine presidential election.[2] After the 2004 elections, the KNP was replaced by Jejomar Binay-led Genuine Opposition as the main opposition coalition. HistoryOn December 11, 2003, the opposition parties Pwersa ng Masang Pilipino (PMP), Laban ng Demokratikong Pilipino (LDP) formed KNP, with the addition of Nene Pimintel's PDP–Laban. Movie star Fernando Poe Jr. and former PNP Chief and Senator Panfilo "Ping" Lacson are the top contenders of the KNP's presidential nomination, with Poe officially selected by the KNP committee which Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay and Senator Juan Ponce Enrile are members.[3] Loren Legarda, who failed to get the Lakas presidential nomination, selected as Vice Presidential nominee in the first month of 2004.[4] Legarda resigned at Lakas after President Arroyo's retraction of her statement in 2002 officially declares intention to run for full term.[5][6] The Nationalist People's Coalition also joined KNP, with only the members of a wing led by former Senator Ernesto "Ernie" Maceda. By mid-2003, Maceda said that multiple meetings of First Gentleman Mike Arroyo and his golfing buddies (which some of them are Arroyo's wife cronies) held at the Macapagal residence at Forbes Park in Makati City to strengthen her campaign.[7] In April 12, 2004, KNP disclosed the plan of the administration's camp to thwart any protests in case of an Arroyo victory. Is it called "Oplan Checkmate," and it plans to isolate Poe and Legarda from the slate of the coalition who are in "a position to mount mass actions" against the government. One of those contacted was Enrile and Gringo Honasan (who serving as Poe's chief for votes security), notable heroes of the People Power in 1986, and Pimintel, notably voting NO during the Impeachment trial of Joseph Estrada.[8] By April 17, 2004, 11 KNP staff leaves the coalition that either jumps into the administration camp or support other candidates. KNP later denied those and they said that those staff who leave are only finding a higher salary job. Prospero Pichay, who is a congressman from Surigao del Sur said that the coalition should be called "Koalisyon ng Nagkakalasang Pilipino".[9] Pichay also said that Poe did not have the skill of a leader as the latter can't unite the opposition.[10] In May 3, 2004, days before the election day, the NPC-Tarlac chapter led by the Tarlac Governor Jose Yap rallied behind Arroyo, but supported KNP's Loren Legarda for vice presidency.[11] KNP Senatorial Slate
Election resultsPresidential and vice presidential elections
Legislative elections
Notes
Senatorial race5 out of 12 candidates won the possible 12 seats in the Senate namely: (in order of votes received) See also
External linksReferences
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