Philippine Lower House Speaker Jose de Venecia (L) and former defence secretary Renato de Villa, who are both aspiring to run for president in the May 1998 elections, set aside their political rivalry and give thumbs-up signs during a meeting of the ruling Lakas party in a Manila hotel November 9. The meeting was the first of several party caucuses to determine who will be the party's standard bearer in the polls. At right is Senator Ramon Magsaysay Jr. who is also one of the possible candidates.