BY EDITH B. COLMO and PRINCE GOLEZ, Manila Reporter
BACOLOD City – The Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) – Negros Occidental Chapter is against changing the 1987 Constitution to allow President Benigno Aquino III to seek a second term.
There is nothing to change in the Constitution, said Atty. Enrique Tabino, chapter president.
There are more important things to do than tinker with the Constitution such as passing the Freedom of Information Bill and crafting an anti-dynasty law, said Tabino.
Proponents of Charter change previously said they would only change provisions in the Constitution deemed inimical to the economy but “the people within the circle of the President are wise. They could insert Cha-cha to extend the term of the President,” said Tabino.
Under the present Constitution crafted during the administration of then President Corazon Aquino, the President can only serve for one term of six years.
Presidents Fidel Ramos, Joseph Estrada and Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo all attempted to amend the Constitution supposedly to introduce more economy-friendly provisions but the public resisted for fear that the term limit imposed on the presidency might be removed.
In Malacañang, Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. of the Presidential Communication Operations Office said President Aquino’s openness to Charter change stemmed from his desire to ensure that the reforms he has started will continue.
But Coloma also said the President is always cognizant of public opinion.
“The President has consistently affirmed his fidelity to his bosses, the Filipino people. You can call it by any other term but in essence, he wants to know their sentiments,” said Coloma.
In a television interview on Wednesday night, President Aquino said he is open to amending the Constitution to allow him another six-year term.
He also said Charter change will “fine tune” and “update” the balance of power among the executive, legislative and judicial branches of government.
But Negros Occidental’s Rep. Neri Colmenares of the Bayan Muna party-list accused the President of attempting to perpetuate himself in power and clip the power of the Supreme Court.
Colmenares vowed to oppose any measure in Congress to amend the Constitution and called on the people to protest in their millions.
Colmenares said “the six-year term limit for the President and the power of the Supreme Court to rule on grave abuse of discretion is precisely enshrined in the 1987 Constitution to strengthen checks and balance and as safeguards against one-man dictatorship.”
“The truth is, President Aquino wants this check and balance provision removed because he wants to maintain his Disbursement Acceleration Program (DAP) and his presidential pork,” said the senior deputy minority leader of the House of Representatives.
Last month, the Supreme Court declared DAP unconstitutional./PN
