Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines – Those implying that President Benigno Aquino III is pushing for Charter change should stop making the issue bigger than it is, Malacañang said Wednesday.
“You’re just so caught up with 2016. Give it a rest. There’s still two years,” an exasperated Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said in a Palace press briefing.
He was reacting to comments from the business sector that the Aquino administration should focus on reforms rather than the possibility of a second term.
“Tama naman. Wala naman kaming ginagawa sa Cha-cha. Sino bang mahilig magsalita ng Cha-cha? Si Toby,” Lacierda said, referring to United Nationalist Alliance (UNA) secretary general and Navotas Representative Toby Tiangco
(That’s right. We’re not doing anything about Cha-cha. In the first place, who often talks about Chacha? It’s Toby.)
Lacierda said Aquino’s critics have been painting many scenarios although they haven’t made any move.
He pointed out that the administration is focused on reforms and the critics were the ones accusing Aquino of wanting to amend the Constitution.
“The President has not made any move; he’s in consultation stage,” Lacierda said.
He said Aquino only mentioned his being open to amending the Charter because he was being honest.
“But he’s not gone beyond that (consultation),” he explained.
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