Surprised and saddened was how administration officials described their reactions to the sudden declaration of former President Fidel V. Ramos declining the position of chairman emeritus of the merged Lakas-Kampi-CMD as proposed by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.

But they said they would continue to reach out for the former president “to address his concern.” It may be recalled that Ramos had early on expressed his open disappointments on learning of the merger immediately upon his arrival from a commitment abroad.

He particularly pointed to “procedural lapses” which he said could spark international repercussions because of Lakas-CMD’s alliances with the Christian and Muslim democrats around the world.

He complained that the party’s ties with the international network of Christian and Muslim democrats worldwide was totally overlooked “in the rush to announce and proclaim the merger.”

But even as he complained, he suggested that it must undergo complete staff work by the Lakas-Kampi-CMD to convince the general membership of the validity and authenticity of such decision.

Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita who said he was surprised by the former president’s decision remains confident, however, that Ramos would continue to be an important ally of the Arroyo administration.

It was a standard reaction, of course, on matter of such delicate political repercussion and the immediate impression is that he just wanted to downplay its impact on the merged party organization.

It seems the executive secretary is relying on the fact that Ramos has not relinquished his position as chairman emeritus of Lakas-CMD which remains a political party accredited by the Commission on Elections.

Lakas-CMD also continues to be a political partner of the Centrist Democrats International and other political organizations around the world.

For his part Ramos has made it clear that his relinquishment of the position of chairman emeritus of the merged Lakas-Kampi-CMD does not include withdrawal of his support to President Arroyo.

He and his group, he said, are still awaiting the Comelec decision on the legality of what he called “supposed merger” of Lakas-CMD with Kampi.

But Malacañang, while not shrugging off Ramos’ action, said in a statement that the party’s compliance with internal procedures for the merger “appears to have been adequate.”

“Even without Ramos at the party leadership, the political and legal bases and processes behind the merger, including those on due consultation, are cogent, firm, and valid,” the Malacanang statement said.

In his letter to President Gloria Arroyo, the former president simply stated, “ I hereby decline the position of chairman emeritus of Lakas-Kampi-CMD as affirmed. I have arrived at this personal decision after long reflection and due diligence…”

The Lakas executive committee had scheduled an emergency meeting the other day “to discuss options left to the party.”

In Congress, the reactions are as varied as they are highly partisan.

In the Senate, Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile thinks former President Ramos has “effectively abandoned” the Lakas-Kampi-CMD coalition, although he believes it would not result in its destruction.

This is contrary to Liberal Party president Manuel Roxas’ prediction that it could be the start of the crumbling of the administration coalition.

In the House, Speaker Prospero Nograles has commented that the former President’s decision may have been the handy work of “unseen hands trying to sow intrigues within the party.”

There are lots more of such reactions from politicians of varied loyalties and you at once see the widespread cynicisms among them about politics and well, about themselves.

(zhern_218@yahoo.com)