MANILA, Philippines—The United Opposition (UNO) Wednesday warned the public that President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s allies in the House of Representatives would resurrect the issue of Charter change in December.

UNO president and Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay said he received information that pro-Arroyo local executives and congressmen conducted “public consultations” during the congressional recess on whether to revise the Constitution.

As such, over 100 pro-administration lawmakers are expected to report to the House leadership an “overwhelming consensus” in favor of Charter change (Cha-cha).

“The Cha-cha express is all set. And we should brace ourselves in the next few weeks for a final attempt to extend Mrs. Arroyo’s term in Malacañang,” said Binay, who recently announced his plan to seek the presidency in 2010.

House leaders were prepared to bring the legal issues to the Supreme Court where several justices up for retirement will likely be replaced by Arroyo appointees, he said.

“The people are overwhelmingly against Charter change at this time. They know that any move to amend the Constitution will only benefit Mrs. Arroyo. But they have been patient with this administration because they look forward to a change in leadership in 2010,” Binay said.

“If Malacañang pushes through with Cha-cha despite public opinion, this could well be the tipping point for the movement to remove an unpopular pretender to the presidency.” With a report from Allison W. Lopez