Binay declares Makati ‘no Chacha zone’

MANILA, Philippines - Amid efforts in the House of Representatives to amend the 1987 Constitution, Makati City declared itself Monday a "No Chacha (Charter Change)" zone. Makati City mayor and United Opposition (UNO) president Jejomar Binay said all 18 councilors expressed opposition to renewed moves to revise the Constitution. "Makati is surely not alone in opposing Charter Change, which is clearly intended to extend Mrs. Arroyo's hold on power beyond 2010. I do hope other local governments will express the sentiments of their people on the issue," he said in an article posted on the Makati City website. He added the city council will formally pass on Wednesday a resolution declaring Makati a "No Charter Change" City. The city's two representatives, Teodoro Locsin Jr. (first district) and Abigail Binay (second district), are also opposed to Charter Change, Binay said. Binay said he hopes other local governments would pass similar resolutions to convey their opposition to Charter Change, which has gained momentum at the House. Also, he said all sectors should work to ensure the integrity and independence of the Supreme Court, saying the high tribunal will be the battleground for the Charter Change initiative. The mayor said he is alarmed by the readiness of Charter Change proponents to bring the issue before the Supreme Court, where seven justices are due to retire. "The proponents of Charter Change, led by the House Speaker and Mrs Arroyo's congressman-son, are all saying the same thing: let's bring this issue to the Supreme Court. It would not be alarming if not for the fact that seven justices are due to retire and Mrs. Arroyo has the power to name their replacements," he said. "And it will be a Supreme Court with a clear majority appointed by Mrs. Arroyo that will decide the fate of Charter Change," he added. Earlier, Binay warned the Palace and its allies that their final push for Charter Change would not get the support of the people and could be the "tipping point" for the protest movement. "The people are overwhelmingly against Charter Change at this time. They know that any move to amend the Constitution will only benefit Mrs. Arroyo. But they have been patient with this administration because they look forward to a change in leadership by 2010," he said. "If Malacañang pushes through with Cha-Cha despite public opinion, this could well be the tipping point for the movement to remove an unpopular pretender to the presidency," he said. - GMANews.TV