MANILA, Philippines -- Makati City officially became a “no Charter change zone” with the passage on Tuesday of a resolution by the city council, which also presented Mayor Jejomar Binay a petition against Constitutional amendment signed by 15,143 persons.

Resolution 2008-246 expressed "strong opposition to any move or initiative at the House of Representatives to revise or amend the Philippine Constitution (Cha-Cha) with the end in view to perpetuate in power President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo."

Binay, who is also president of the United Opposition, presented the resolution at a press conference, saying: "Dapat sundin natin ang saligang batas na dapat magkaroon ng halalan sa 2010 [We should follow the Constitution’s mandate to hold elections in 2010]."

Despite the resolution, Binay said Makati would remain “a free market of ideas” and pro-Charter change groups would not be barred from campaigning or holding activities in the city.

"In our exercise in the freedom of speech and as part of constitutional [rights], nagsasabi lang kami na [we are only saying] ‘no to Cha-cha’...but there will be a free market of ideas here," said Binay.

Binay said he expects San Juan City and Navotas, whose respective mayors, Juan Victor Ejercito and Toby Tiangco, are with the opposition, to pass similar resolutions against Charter change.

He also hoped other local governments would follow their lead.

"Hopefully we will be an influence. Sana hindi lang dito sa ating lungsod [I hope this will not only be in our city]," said Binay.

Binay said they would present the petition against Charter change, which he described as “representative of the prevailing sentiments of the people in Makati,” to the House.