MANILA, October 28, 2008—An arch critic of the Arroyo administration has warned against sneaky move for Charter Change (Cha-cha) when sessions in Congress resume next month.
Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop Oscar Cruz said the effort to extend the term of President Gloria Arroyo has always been there, and there’s no sign of retreat.
Cruz said he received information from a “very strong grapevine” that the current administration is persistent to amend the 1987 Constitution.
“What is being said that election in 2010 is a big dream… up to this time, an election is a big moral impossibility. (Mark my word) that when Congress resumes, Cha-Cha will be an open, public, well-funded move at the Lower House,” he said.
The prelate said that unlike the previous attempts for Cha-Cha, this time is like a desperate move.
“No more double-talk, no more camouflage moves this time… It will be initiated and it will be done through a Con-Ass or Constitutional Assembly,” Cruz said.
The Catholic bishops’ leadership has repeatedly rejected to amend the Charter, adding that it’s appropriate under the present administration.
Critics said the move is intended all for extending the tenure of Arroyo—a claim affirmed by the archbishop.
Cruz said it would be a “very big lie” to conclude that this move by Arroyo and her allies in Congress will be “for patriotic or for common welfare” reasons but largely to ensure that Arroyo will stay beyond 2010.
“…It will all be for the extension of the term of office of the Malacañang occupant,” Cruz claimed.
Cruz said the only possible stumbling block in the administration’s bid to railroad Cha-Cha is if the Senate decides to oppose.
“Believe me, the moment it passes through Congress, it goes through a plebiscite, then, it is done. Why? Because all local government officials are under the command of Malacañang,” Cruz said.
Asked what would be the course of action of the entire CBCP in the event that Cruz’s claim materializes, CBCP President Archbishop Angel Lagdameo replied “we will just cross the bridge when we get there… and we hope to meet you there”. (CBCPNews)
