President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has ordered the creation of a national consolidation and unification committee to fast track the merger nof the ruling parties Lakas and the Kabalikat ng Malayang Pilipino (KAMPI).

The president has appointed her adviser on political affairs, Gabriel Claudio, as chairman of this committee.

Mrs. Arroyo made the order in a speech Thursday at the executive committee meeting of the Lakas and KAMPI in Holiday Inn, Clark, Pampanga.

She said it was important to work on the merger so that they can face the elections of 2010 with "righteousness and confidence."

The president also said that the merger will ensure the consolidation of support for the government's programs for economic stability.

She said the previous work of allies from the Lakas and KAMPI is the reason there are resources to absorb the current global shocks in the economy.

She also cited how the country has weathered the global economic crisis so far.

A merger, she said, will keep  the government focused on improving the economy.

The chief executive also said that they must commit themselves to orderly and credible elections in 2010 by ensuring the automation of the electoral
process.