Thursday, November 20, 2008 Prayer for Arroyo's term extension hit
THE United Opposition (UNO) believed the controversial opening prayer of Press Secretary Jesus Dureza before Tuesday's Cabinet meeting was meant as a "trial balloon."
UNO said it was meant to gauge public opinion regarding efforts to extend the term of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
UNO president and Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay Jr. said Dureza's move, which the latter described as a "light prayer," was meant to create public discussion over the issue of term extension through Charter change.
"Given Mrs. Arroyo's body language during the prayer, Charter change for term extension now appears to be a certainty," Binay said.
"Despite her protestations, Mrs. Arroyo was obviously tickled pink by the prayer. So that means all of us should brace ourselves for the resurrection of Charter change," he added.
The opposition leader said that until now, the President has not made any public statement that she will step down from office in 2010.
"Her underlings have been the ones saying she will step down, but if you judge by her body language last Tuesday, one will see that Mrs. Arroyo is looking forward to the prospect of being in Malacañang beyond 2010," Binay said.
Earlier, the mayor said despite her protestation, the President clearly wants to prolong her term to avoid prosecution from the many scandals hounding the present administration.
He added that it is not only the opposition but also majority of the public who don't believe Mrs. Arroyo's avowed promise not to seek term extension.
"She has done that before," Binay said referring to Mrs. Arroyo's public pronouncement that she would not seek the presidency in the 2004 elections.
Citing political developments, the opposition leader said Arroyo allies in the House of Representatives are raring to again introduce the issue of Charter change.
House leaders have even said they are willing to bring the issue to the Supreme Court (SC), where several justices up for retirement next year are expected to be replaced by Arroyo appointees, he added.
"Time is running out on the administration. By middle of 2009, people will be talking about the 2010 elections. And if they are going to embark on a last ditch effort for Charter change for Mrs. Arroyo's benefit, they will be doing it now," he said.
Administration critics have also voiced alarm after last Monday's Senate coup, which saw the resignation of Senate President Manuel Villar Jr. and his replacement by pro-administration and staunch Charter change advocate, Juan Ponce Enrile. (AH/Sunnex)
