The Philippine Online Chronicles

President Noynoy Aquino’s statement that he will not be returning to public office after his term expires in 2016 has brought some members of the House of Representatives to say that his term may be the “best time” to consider the controversial matter of charter change.

According to Eastern Samar Representative Ben Evardone, charter change may be successfully pursued during the Aquino Administration as people will not suspect the president of using the change in government structure as a means to extend his term, unlike in the case of former presidents Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and Fidel V. Ramos.

“The people would not suspect political motives as the reason for calling for charter change,” he said, as Aquino holds a high trust rating among Filipinos.

Other members of the House supporting a move towards charter change during Aquino’s term are Davao Representative Karlo Nograles, Biliran Representative Roger Espina, Laguna Representative Dan Fernandez, Bohol Representative Rene Relampagos, Quirino Representative Dax Cua, Marinduque Representative Allan Velasco, and Marikina Representative Miro Quimbo.

Evardone added that the best way to amend the provisions set in the 1987 Constitution would be through a constitutional convention (con-con), where members would be elected rather than handpicked.

“All present members of Congress, Senate and local government units should not benefit from charter-change, particularly extension of terms,” Evardone said. “Constitutional convention should be the mode so as not to disrupt the legislative work of Congress. Con-con should focus on economic provisions for investments and employment.”

Several House bills and resolutions pushing for charter change are currently pending, including House Resolution No. 8, filed by Arroyo, now representative of Pampanga, and her son, Camarines Sur Representative Diosdado Arroyo, which also calls for the creation of a con-con.

However, deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said that charter change is not currently a priority for the Aquino administration.

"At this point, nobody has ever presented an argument that would make Cha-cha urgent so much so that it would place the country at risk if the Constitution at the present time is not changed. So it's not a priority," she said.

Quezon Representative Lorenzo Tañada III agreed that the government has more pressing concerns than charter change.

“We still have things to fix and a reform agenda to pursue. Let us first show to our people the right way to govern,” he said.