TACLOBAN CITY, Philippines -- Senator Manny Villar has warned that the plan to amend the economic provisions of the Constitution could be simply a “decoy” that would eventually lead to the complete overhaul of the country's fundamental law.

Villar said there was “no stopping a complete Charter change” even if only one or two provisions of the Constitution were proposed for review.

“The proposed amendment to the economic provisions, to me, is just a decoy. Once we allow it, everything is now open for amendments,” Villar said during the groundbreaking of a family-owned subdivision here.

“Nobody can stop anyone from amending the political provisions once we allow Charter change,” the former Senate president added.

Senators will not allow any tinkering with the country's Constitution if this would result in amendments of political provisions like changing the form and system of government, he said.

Talk of Charter change have been renewed as allies of President Macapagal-Arroyo at the House of Representatives appear to be pushing for it despite strong opposition from various sectors, including the Senate.

Villar reiterated his desire to seek the presidency in the 2010 elections.

However, he was cautious in expounding on his reported presidential plan, saying that things have been fluid, as allies of President Arroyo have been keen on Charter change.

Still, Villar, the presumptive standard-bearer of the Nacionalista Party (NP), admitted that he had been strengthening the party for the 2010 elections.

He also said that the NP would be open to alliances with other political parties.

"We are reactivating the National Party as we are dead set on having a complete lineup for the 2010 elections," Villar said.