Resolution filed to change charter but 3 personalities look forward to 2010 elections
MANILA, Philippines - As various legislations were filed to amend the Constitution, a new resolution was introduced by three lawmakers to change the charter through a constitutional convention.
Reps. Rene M. Velarde (party-list, Buhay), Del R. de Guzman (2nd district, Marikina City), and Didagen R. Dilangalen (Shariff Kabunsuan with Cotabato City) filed House Resolution (HR) 858 calling for a charter change through constitutional convention.
The congressmen said provisions on transparency need to be re-written and strengthened. They also said that there is a need to re-examine the issue on whether the government should shift from a presidential to parliamentary form of government.
"The Constitution cannot be used directly to fight corruption because there are some discrepancies in the existing transparency provisions," they said in a statement.
"This constitutional convention would then have more time and the expertise to frame a new Constitution because its whole attention would be focused on that job," they added.
Looking forward to 2010
Meanwhile, three personalities believed to be eyeing the presidency in 2010, Friday opposed measures to amend the constitution to lift the present term extensions of elected officials.
In separate chance interviews, Vice President Noli L. de Castro, former Senate President Manuel B. Villar, Jr. and Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Bayani F. Fernando said proposals to extend the term of those in power may prove to be unpopular to the public.
Mr. de Castro said charter change in itself is not bad but it would depend on the provisions to be amended.
"If they (lawmakers) would amend something that should not be amended then there would be questions. [The term extensions] are viewed negatively by our countrymen. I am not in favor of that," he said.
Mr. de Castro said while the lifting of term limits would benefit officials like him, he would not support it if this is opposed by the public.
For his part, Mr. Villar said the 2010 Presidential elections should push through.
"For me, it’s simple. We should hold the elections in 2010. Let us find ways to amend it (constitution) if we really want to amend it, without proposing term extensions. I think the sentiments of the people are clear," he said in Filipino.
Mr. Villar said members of the House of Representatives can still pursue charter change but they should take into account the views of the people.
"If you open up the constitution for amendments, anything may happen. It is possible that they would amend everything," he said.
Mr. Fernando said the changes in the constitution must be limited to economic provisions that would make the country attractive to investments.
"There are other things that we need to [change]... some minor ones... some economic provisions," he said.
He said it is not the proper time to postpone the 2010 polls since the electorate are already expecting it.
"People are looking forward to an election and that (proposal to postpone the elections) is, I think, something that will encounter rough sailing," Mr. Fernando said.
"I think it might cause a lot of trouble. So at this point in time, that’s the least that we want to happen because of the impending recession and all the things that are happening worldwide," he added.
Messrs. Fernando and Villar have openly expressed their interest to run for 2010. Mr. de Castro has yet to declare his candidacy but talks are rife that the administration coalition is considering him to be its standard bearer in the next elections. — Alexis Douglas B. Romero and Jhoanna Frances S. Valdez, BusinessWorld
Reps. Rene M. Velarde (party-list, Buhay), Del R. de Guzman (2nd district, Marikina City), and Didagen R. Dilangalen (Shariff Kabunsuan with Cotabato City) filed House Resolution (HR) 858 calling for a charter change through constitutional convention.
The congressmen said provisions on transparency need to be re-written and strengthened. They also said that there is a need to re-examine the issue on whether the government should shift from a presidential to parliamentary form of government.
"The Constitution cannot be used directly to fight corruption because there are some discrepancies in the existing transparency provisions," they said in a statement.
"This constitutional convention would then have more time and the expertise to frame a new Constitution because its whole attention would be focused on that job," they added.
Looking forward to 2010
Meanwhile, three personalities believed to be eyeing the presidency in 2010, Friday opposed measures to amend the constitution to lift the present term extensions of elected officials.
In separate chance interviews, Vice President Noli L. de Castro, former Senate President Manuel B. Villar, Jr. and Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Bayani F. Fernando said proposals to extend the term of those in power may prove to be unpopular to the public.
Mr. de Castro said charter change in itself is not bad but it would depend on the provisions to be amended.
"If they (lawmakers) would amend something that should not be amended then there would be questions. [The term extensions] are viewed negatively by our countrymen. I am not in favor of that," he said.
Mr. de Castro said while the lifting of term limits would benefit officials like him, he would not support it if this is opposed by the public.
For his part, Mr. Villar said the 2010 Presidential elections should push through.
"For me, it’s simple. We should hold the elections in 2010. Let us find ways to amend it (constitution) if we really want to amend it, without proposing term extensions. I think the sentiments of the people are clear," he said in Filipino.
Mr. Villar said members of the House of Representatives can still pursue charter change but they should take into account the views of the people.
"If you open up the constitution for amendments, anything may happen. It is possible that they would amend everything," he said.
Mr. Fernando said the changes in the constitution must be limited to economic provisions that would make the country attractive to investments.
"There are other things that we need to [change]... some minor ones... some economic provisions," he said.
He said it is not the proper time to postpone the 2010 polls since the electorate are already expecting it.
"People are looking forward to an election and that (proposal to postpone the elections) is, I think, something that will encounter rough sailing," Mr. Fernando said.
"I think it might cause a lot of trouble. So at this point in time, that’s the least that we want to happen because of the impending recession and all the things that are happening worldwide," he added.
Messrs. Fernando and Villar have openly expressed their interest to run for 2010. Mr. de Castro has yet to declare his candidacy but talks are rife that the administration coalition is considering him to be its standard bearer in the next elections. — Alexis Douglas B. Romero and Jhoanna Frances S. Valdez, BusinessWorld
advertisement
advertisement
advertisement
