Aquino wants reforms to be permanent, mulls Charter change

MANILA, Philippines – If it will result in the institutionalization of reforms and if it is what the people want then a term extension may seriously be considered by President Benigno Aquino III.

That was the essence of Malacañang’s statement on Thursday.

Asked what made Aquino change his mind about amending the Philippine Constitution and pursuing a term extension, Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said, “What is essential for the President is to know the sentiments of his bosses, the Filipino people.”

“He will continue to listen to them so he will know their views on how to ensure that the reforms and transformation that he has begun will continue and will become permanent,” he added.

Unlike the other spokespersons of Aquino, Coloma was among those who had been pointing out that the constitution limits a President’s term to six years.

But he said he was not surprised with the President’s statement during an exclusive interview with TV5 on Wednesday.

“I was not surprised because, as I said since Day One, this has been the governance philosophy of the President—to listen to the voice of the Filipino people, his bosses,” he said.

During the interview, Aquino said he had lately been mulling over the issue of judicial reach, as well as extending the term of the President.

Asked if he was open to calls of his supporters for a term extension, which will require constitutional amendment, he said, “Nung pinasukan ko ito, ang tanda ko one term of six years…Ngayon, after having said that, syempre ang mga boss ko, kelangan kong pakinggan ‘yon.”

(When I started as President, I was bound to a term of six years…Now, after having said that, of course I also need to listen to my bosses.)

Nevertheless, Coloma confirmed that the administration continues to count the days left until Aquino’s term ends in 2016.

Who’s the boss?

Talk about Aquino’s term extension and re-election started when some supporters posted “One More Term” photos and similar calls on the President’s official Facebook fanpage.

Vice President Jejomar Binay, however, warned Aquino against listening to people with vested interests.

But Coloma said media should not read more than what Binay had stated.

“The Vice President’s statement is self-explanatory. He said he respects the President’s decision,” the Secretary said.

Asked where Aquino had been receiving his information about calls for his term extension, Coloma said he normally speaks and interacts with a diverse set of people, including local government officials, businessmen and members of the civil society.

Cory’s legacy

Coloma also said that being open to Charter change does not mean going against the legacy of Aquino’s parents, especially since the 1987 Philippine Constitution was crafted under the term of the late Corazon Aquino.

“It is well known that the President has been doing his best to institute reforms that will bring about the transformation of Philippine society in keeping with his parents legacy,” he said.