Cha-cha moves begin, end with congress – Palace

Deputy Presidential Spokesman Anthony Golez Jr. stressed that any move to amend the Philippine Constitution begins and ends with Congress.

He explained that “to be consistent” with its stand on the issue, the Palace has not prevented nor discouraged discussions of the Cha-Cha.

Although Malacañang has been consistent about the “need for Constitutional reforms to significantly boost the chances for (economic) reforms and development;” it is neither the initiator nor the agitator for Charter Change (Cha-Cha), he added.

He also pointed out that “the Palace will exclude, disown and reject amendments that deal with term extension and other schemes to perpetuate incumbent elective officials, including the President.” (PIA/Bohol)

Former Cong. Jala says cha-cha now, untimely

NOW is not the right time to Change the Charter (CHACHA).

The statement comes form no other than a staunch Charter Change (CHACHA) advocate and former Bohol District 3 Representative Eladio Jala.

Jala, in a radion interview remained steadfast in his position that the country needs to change its constitution to make it responsive to the needs of the time. However, he believes a move to tinker with it now comes at a wrong timing.

According to Jala, at a time when the administration suffers a negative perception, a move on the CHACHA now could flop on the floor.

Jala admitted that the administration’s tough fiscal decisions has not been fully understood by the people, so there is negative perception for the administration.

Popped at a time when the administration nurses a sagging perception, Jala fears that the untimely push may adversely affect the future moves to remedy the constitution.

It’s always a game of perception, he said even as he stressed that the tough and bitter fiscal reforms has allowed the country’s economy to coast through the rough times.

He added that the people do not understand this.

Relaying his fears, he said a move to tinker with the charter now could be fatal as it may cost the people’s confidence even if it is done later at the proper time.

According to him, the tough decisions as put the country in a strong economic poise to weather the crisis that is sweeping the world.

Jala fears that the untimely push for the CHACHA may cause its being trashed all through out.

The former Bohol representative pressed that there is indeed a need to alter the country’s supreme law, citing that some provisions in the charter may not anymore be applicable.

The Jala statement also accents a random radio survey done in Bohol where antic-chacha proponents heaped up their opposition over a local radio station.

The survey summed up 13 anti-charter change sentiments against nil for constitutional change for now. (rachiu/PIA)

Pangagpas nga ipalawig ang termino ni PGMA sa cha-cha, walay basehan- Dureza

Walay basehan ang pangagpas sa mga taga oposisyon nga ipalawig ang termino ni Presidente Gloria Macapagal Arroyo kon madayon ang cha-cha. Mao kini ang gipatin-aw ni Jesus Dureza, Kalihim sa Prensa.

Matud pa ni Dureza, huna-huna ra kana sa mga taga-oposisyon nga kon madayon ang pag-usab gikan sa pederal nga sistema sa kagamhanan gikan sa “presidential” pina-agi sa pag-usab sa batakang balaud, dili moluwat sa pangatungdanan si Presidente Arroyo inig-abot sa tuig 2010.

Ang pagduda nabunga tungod sa pagsuporta sa Presidente sa resolusyon number 10 sa Senado nga gipangamahan ni Senador Aguilino Pimentel, ug uban pang 16 ka senador, lakip na si Senador Manuel Villar.

Gipasabot ni Dureza nga misuporta ang Malakanyang sa maong resolusyon tungod kay haum kini sa tinunga sa kagamahanan ug mga pilipino aron makab-ot ang autonomiya ug kalinaw, labina sa Mindanao.

Ang resolusyon mipatawag og usa ka “constituent assembly” sa kongreso sa pag-usob sa batakang balaud; ug tin-aw usab nga wala niini misay-say nga palawigon ang termino ni Presidente Arroyo, dugang ni Dureza.

Ang problema nga nakita kay sobra ra ka-ayo ang kritisismo ug ka-negatibo sa panghuna-huna sa uban nga usahay makaingon sa pagkalangan sa mga lakang ug reporma sa kagamhanan, alang unta sa kaayuhan sa katawhan, dugang ni Dureza.

Gipahinumdum usab sa Kalihim nga daghang mga okasyon nga milabay nga gipalanug sa presidente nga moluwat siya sa pangatungdanan sa pagtapos sa iyang termino sa tuig 2010. (PIA/Bohol)