PINOYWORLD | PINOY WORLD

Renewed moves to amend the 1987 Constitution reveal that the Arroyo administration is clearly determined to perpetuate itself in power possibly even beyond 2010, according to independent think-tank IBON Foundation.

In its midyear political assessment report, IBON noted that the administration’ s maximum objective in the coming months is to maneuver to stay beyond 2010. Charter change (Cha-cha) for now appears to be the preferred mechanism for allowing Pres. Arroyo to retain power through a shift to a federal-parliamenta ry government. Cha-cha is also a means of gaining the continued support of various political and economic interest groups, including foreign governments and elite capital.

However, the moves towards Cha-cha would not be smooth given Arroyo’s immense unpopularity and the general perception that such moves only serve her self-interest.
This early, the public has detected that the present initiative is no different from past attempts to change the Constitution, driven by the President’s resolve to perpetuate herself in power. In IBON opinion surveys, the public has consistently rejected such moves.

IBON added that, similar to previous Cha-cha initiatives, the government’s renewed campaign will also likely recommend the removal of vital constitutional protections for the public good and weakening of economic sovereignty provisions in the charter. Lifting these provisions would surely intensify the people’s already dire economic situation while benefiting foreign and elite corporate interests. (end)

IBON Foundation, Inc. is an independent development institution established in 1978 that provides research, education, publications, information work and advocacy support on socioeconomic issues.