Pangasinan Rep. Jose De Venecia Jr. on Tuesday warned that the proposed merger of the country's ruling political parties Lakas-CMD and Kabalikat ng Malayang Pilipino (KAMPI) could lead to a disaster.

"I hope it will not lead to the sinking of the Titanic. If it becomes overloaded, the ship will sink. I hope it will not sink," he told reporters Tuesday.

House Speaker and Lakas-CMD President Prospero Nograles and KAMPI President Camarines Sur Luis Villafuerte announced on Monday that the two political parties will merge in the next 45 days supposedly to prepare for the 2010 elections.

De Venecia also said he believes 45 days are not enough for the merger. 

"There are many areas of conflict, bitter conflict over principles and personality battles--in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. The target of 45 days will be insufficient," he said. 

De Venecia's fallout with President Arroyo last year led to his losing the speakership and the presidency of Lakas-CMD. Nevertheless, as founder of the party, he was given the position honorary president.

De Venecia, who just returned from a foreign trip, said he will meet with former President Fidel Ramos to "see how we can discuss the future of this proposal to merge the Lakas and the KAMPI."

"I was in favor of the merger, provided that there is a total overhaul of the political, economic and social program of the government. It is very important that the proposed merger should concentrate on the battle against poverty and corruption," he added.