PNoy willing to meet Belmonte to discuss Cha-cha

Although President Benigno Aquino III is against the proposal to amend the 1987 Constitution, he is willing to meet with House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr., a proponent of Charter change, to discuss the matter.

“If the Speaker asks for a meeting with the President, certainly the President will discuss with the Speaker his views on Charter change, and why he is not in favor of Charter change," said presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda during a press conference Wednesday.

Belmonte has earlier said he will seek an audience with Aquino, who has repeatedly said there is no need for Charter change.

“The President has already voiced his position on that. But again it's an open discussion,” said Lacierda.

The House committee on constitutional amendments has already approved Belmonte's House Resolution No. 1, which seeks to amend the following articles of the Constitution: Article II or the Declaration of State Principles and Policies, Article XII on National Economy and Patrimony, and Article XVI which contains sections on foreign ownership.

The Palace, however, has said Aquino will not interfere with the progress of the measure despite being against it. — Kimberly Jane Tan/KBK, GMA News