Aquino wants limit on judicial powers

By PRINCE GOLEZ
Manila Reporter

MANILA — President Benigno Aquino III wants to ensure that his administration’s reform program will continue.

Baka naman iyong anim na taon ninyo nagbakasyon lang tayo, tapos balik na naman tayo doon sa dating walang nangyari,” said the President.

Part of the reforms is the need to amend the Constitution to limit “judicial reach,” the President pointed out.

Iyong judicial reach, mukhang dapat i-review, lagyan ng hangganan,” Aquino said in an interview over Bombo Radyo yesterday.

He cited the “midnight appointment” of disgraced Chief Justice Renato Corona by then President Gloria Macapagal–Arroyo and the Supreme Court’s ruling on the Disbursement Acceleration Program as among his reasons for wanting to limit the powers of the judiciary.

Meanwhile, the President remains open to talks for a term extension after 2016.

In the same radio interview, he said he continues to listen to his “bosses.”

Sinabi ko naman noong una akong tumakbo hindi ako masokista. Pero at the same time, tila — sabi ko nga makikinig ako sa anumang utos ng mga boss natin,” said Aquino.

Aquino said he has been consulting various sectors regarding his administration’s reform agenda.

Talagang nagko-konsulta tayo sa iba’t-ibang sektor at tinatanong nga natin ang pinakabuod: Paano ba natin masisigurado na mapagpatuloy lahat ’nung naumpisahan natin na maging talagang permanente na,” he said./PN