Being supportive of a change in the 1987 Charter, President of the League of the Cities of the Philippines, Treñas confirmed there is a strong support to the postponement of the regular senatorial and local elections slated on May 2007 and scheduling it six months after or on November the same year.
Presidential Political Adviser Gabriel Claudio said earlier that a "parliamentary election" in November "may be acceptable to the public and practical also" so that there would be at least six months of interval between the plebiscite and the elections.
Claudio said the time would give the new interim parliament moment to work, sufficient time to institute automation in the election process, and to "obviate any confusion regarding the senators who might not want to spend and might want to await the results of the plebiscite."
The parliamentary election on November was targeted by administration Congressmen.
Claudio said there were already 195 signatures in the House, which back up the proposal.
The proposal was publicized after various caucuses attended by representatives and chaired by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo held in Malacañang during the last days of November.
The details and mechanics are being awaited from the House' technical working group.
The Senate stood firm on its opposition to the proposed amendments on the rules in convening a constituent assembly to tackle Charter change while the opposition members said they will sue Arroyo and her allies once they pursue it.
Claudio said the ideal timeline is to convene the Con-Ass by around December 9 or 10 so that a plebiscite could be held before Feb. 12, 2007 then followed by parliamentary elections in November.
Meanwhile, Justice Secretary Raul Gonzalez Sr. said Charter change may happen between December and January next year.
One of the main goals of the Cha-Cha is to pave the way for a parliamentary system and a unicameral congress. (LABB/JDB/Sunnex)
