Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats
Lakas-Demokratikong Kristiyano at Muslim (Lakas CMD) |
|
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Leader |
Fidel V. Ramos (1991–1998) Gloria Macapagal Arroyo (1998–2008) |
Founded | 1991 |
Dissolved | 2008 |
Merger of | Partido Lakas ng Tao and National Union of Christian Democrats-United Muslim Democrats of the Philippines |
Split from | Laban ng Demokratikong Pilipino |
Merged into | Lakas-Kampi-CMD |
Ideology |
Christian democracy Islamic democracy |
Political position | Center-right |
International affiliation | Centrist Democrat International |
Lakas-CMD (Lakas ng Tao-Christian Muslim Democrats), popularly known as Lakas, was a political party in the Philippines. Its ideology and that of its successor is heavily influenced by Christian and Islamic democracy. The party's influence on Philippine society is very evident, especially after the People Power Revolution, which has led the country to elect two presidents from the party, namely Fidel V. Ramos, a United Methodist, and Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, a Roman Catholic.
In May 2009, Lakas-CMD merged with Arroyo's KAMPI thereby being known as Lakas Kampi CMD, a completely new entity. On May 2012, Lakas-Kampi renamed itself as Lakas-CMD.
Lakas-CMD has always focused on economic growth and development, stronger ties with the United States, creation of jobs, and strong cooperation between the executive and legislative branches of government. It is known for its advocacy of a shift from the present presidential system to a parliamentary form of government through constitutional amendments and through establishing peace talks with Muslim separatists and communist rebels. The party democracy is distinct in its ecumenical inclusion of Muslim leaders in its political alliance.
Lakas ng Tao was formed in December 1991 for the 1992 elections as retired General, then-Defense Secretary, Fidel V. Ramos and former Cebu Governor Emilio Mario R. Osmeña were running for president and vice-president respectively. It was also formed when Ramos bolted from the Laban ng Demokratikong Pilipino (LDP; Struggle of Democratic Filipinos), after he had lost in the bid for the presidency under that said banner to Speaker Ramon Mitra.