GMA asks opposition: Join gov't of nat'l unity.

(From Philippine Daily Inquirer)

Byline: Christine O. Avendao

CEBU CITY-IN A MOVE DEscribed by a Palace official as unprecedented, President Macapagal-Arroyo yesterday called on the opposition to join her in establishing a government of national unity and put an end to the current political crisis.

She stressed that she was not proposing "power-sharing" but "sharing public leadership and responsibility for the common good."

Environment Secretary Michael Defensor said Ms Arroyo's proposal entailed appointing "responsible" opposition members to the Cabinet. He said he had mentioned House Minority Leader Francis Escudero to the President and that the lawmaker had agreed to the proposal and join the government "at the proper time." …