Liberal local officials were invited to a conference on decentralization, autonomy and governance. Obviously, the conference could not be converted into a party meeting to elect new officers.

If it doesn't happen, the continuing oppression will be met by more resistance from a less tolerant populace which wants a democratic restoration. And that resistance will only invite further oppression.

As past presidents of the Liberal Party, we deeply regret and are greatly saddened by the precipitate action by some party officers and members at the Manila Hotel.

We have local autonomy. This doesn't affect the county committees.

They (the officials) obviously didn't know how to handle it. This was a disgrace.

We're making inquiries of local officials for an assessment of the situation.