POLITICS IS ADDITION. President Aquino welcomes to the Liberal Party new allies from Cebu. In photo are (from left) DILG Chief Jessie Robredo, Rep. Lorenzo Tañada III, Transportation Secretary Manuel Roxas II, Cavite Rep. Joseph Emilio Abaya, Cebu Rep. Ramon Durano, Danao City Vice Mayor Ramon Durano III, former Tourism Secretary Joseph Ace Durano, Sen. Franklin Drilon, Customs Chief Rozzano Rufino Biazon and Budget Secretary Florencio Abad. MALACAÑANG FILE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines – Members of the Liberal Party in the House of Representatives are not supporting an ally’s move to extend the term of President Benigno Aquino III.
Caloocan Rep. Edgar Erice had proposed to extend the Constitutional limit on the President’s six-year term to make Aquino eligible for reelection, but LP stalwarts disapproved of it.
Majority floor leader Neptali Gonzales II said he doubts the President will support the proposal, especially as Aquino had turned down calls to amend the foreign investment restrictions in the charter.
“If it is true that you need the support of PNoy to have the economic provision amendment approved, it goes without saying for the second term amendment to have a chance, it must be endorsed by the President,” Gonzales said in a text message to INQUIRER.net
He said the President will surely be criticized for having double standards if he approves of a second term amendment to the Constitution while disapproving of an economic provision amendment.
Gonzales said such a proposal would put the President in a bad light.
“I think if we are truly supportive of PNoy, we should refrain from advancing issues that are likely to put the President in a no-win situation and consequently put him in a bad light,” Gonzales said.
Oriental Mindoro Rep. Reynaldo Umali added that such a proposal would only “encounter a rough sailing in Congress.”
He added that Erice’s call “will divide the country.”
“I think the President will not be amenable to it,” Umali said in a text message.
Vice President Jejomar Binay had also thumbed down Erice’s call, calling it “selfish” that puts the President in a bad light.
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