Palace: Chacha answer to bishops' call for change

MANILA, Philippines - Malacañang insisted Wednesday on Charter change as the answer to Catholic bishops' call Tuesday for change in the system of government. Press secretary and presidential spokesman Jesus Dureza said the Palace was "heartened" that even bishops now "realize" the need for systemic change that can be brought by Cha-Cha. "We are also heartened even bishops realize kailangan may systemic change tayo, now, hindi bukas (We are heartened that even bishops realize the need for systemic change now, not tomorrow). Some changes in the system will have to be done. Ang pangulo (The president) was a very strong proponent of changes in the charter when she campaigned even for the presidency," he said in an interview on dwIZ radio. He also said the changes in the 1987 Constitution should not only be economic but also be political. Several groups had opposed Malacañang's moves to amend the Charter due to fears it may manipulate political changes to keep President Arroyo in power beyond 2010. Under the present Constitution, the president will get only one six-year term and is not eligible to seek another term. "May mga provision sa Constitution natin kailangan palitan natin, hindi economic provisions kailangan yung mga changes yan sa political system natin (There are provisions in the Constitution that we have to change, not just economic provisions. We also have to make changes in our political system)," Dureza said. He also chided some Catholic bishops critical of the government for opposing Palace moves to amend the Constitution. "Hindi tayo umuusad eh (That's why we're not progressing)," he said. - GMANews.TV