Bayan secretary-general Renato Reyes. INQUIRER.net FILE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines—Militants on Thursday said that President Benigno Aquino III should be removed from office immediately for his ‘dictatorial tendencies’ after admitting that he is now open to amending the constitution and extending his term.
“He has no qualms about plunging the nation in an unprecedented political crisis worse than during the time of (former President Joseph) Estrada and (former President Gloria) Arroyo. This makes him a very dangerous person. His capacity to lead becomes even more questionable. With his dictatorial tendencies showing, Aquino’s removal from office becomes even more urgent,” Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) said Thursday.
Bayan secretary general Renato Reyes said that a second term and a weaker Supreme Court is reminiscent of the days of the administration of former President Ferdinand Marcos.
Bayan issued the statement following the remark made by Aquino in an exclusive interview with TV5, Wednesday, when he said that he is open for calls to amend the Constitution in order to extend his term and check the powers of the Supreme Court.
“Before all of these happened, I admit I had a closed mind. But now I realized that there is judicial reach. Congress and the executive may act but they can be punished anytime,” Aquino told TV5 legal analyst Mel Sta. Maria who asked if he was still opposed to amending the Constitution.
Reyes added that Aquino “thinks so highly of himself” and that the president is willing to violate the Constitution in order to conform to the supposed clamor of the people for another term for Aquino.
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