CHIZ OPPOSES CHA-CHA AGAIN

CHIZ OPPOSES CHA-CHA AGAIN

Chiz Escudero

Senator Chiz Escudero again expressed his opposition to amend the 1987 Philippine Constitution, particularly the plan to lift the six-year term that would give President Benigno Aquino III or any sitting president a fresh mandate.

At a media forum last week, Escudero assured the public that he will not support any move in the Senate that will change any provision in the Charter – a position he has maintained since he assumed public office.

According to Escudero, any talk of Charter change (Cha-cha) in order to pursue term extension should have been addressed from start of an administration in order to avoid speculation.

 While Escudero believes that Cha-cha would not happen any time soon, he also emphasized that he will fight any move to amend the Constitution in order to weaken the Supreme Court.

When asked why there was a lot of chatter about extending Aquino’s term which is ending in 2016, Escudero said it could be a “trial balloon” or an attempt to deflect criticisms portraying the Chief Executive as a “lame duck” President.

 Knowing the President, Escudero said, he is already counting the days to leaving Malacañang and live a simple and normal life like everybody else.

“The President and his family have already given their share and more to the country. He deserves to get his own life back, and I think he is looking forward to that day to come in 2016.” /MP