House allies laud Aquino’s support for Cha-cha, 2nd term

MANILA, Philippines – Allies of President Benigno Aquino III lauded the president’s statement of being open in having a second term of office as well as in amending the Constitution.

Caloocan Rep. Edgar Erice, the main proponent of the move to amend the Charter to allow Aquino to run for reelection, said the president is only listening to the clamor of his “bosses.”

“The president cannot just let the process of transformation and progress be wasted…” Erice said.

He added that those who want to replace Aquino are the “traditional corrupt leaders” who are “salivating on the prospect of returning to their old ways.”

“He will continue to listen to his bosses,” Erice, an LP stalwart, said.

Another ally, Eastern Samar Rep. Ben Evardone, said he is glad Aquino is finally open to Charter change.

“I definitely welcome President Aquino’s statement that he is now open to Cha cha,” Evardone said in a text message.

The lawmaker added that he supported Charter change, as he had filed a resolution under the 15th Congress to amend the economic, political and constitutional provisions “to enable our country to pursue meaningful and lasting fundamental reforms.”