Friday, December 19, 2008 Palace on CBCP's Cha-cha stand
MALACANANG respects the views of the Church on Charter change, but it reiterated that manner and timing of undertaking the proposed amendment of the 1987 Constitution is a matter to be handled by Congress, a Palace official said.
Political adviser Gabriel Claudio said the administration is encouraged that the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) recognizes the need to amend the Charter especially to help boost the country's economy and well-being.
"We respect the admonition of the CBCP regarding the timing of Cha-cha. We are heartened that, at least, the Church, as do we, together with the many sectors of society, recognize the need for constitutional reforms that will redound to the economic, social, and political well-being of our country," he said.
He, however, stated that the manner and timing of effecting change is up to Congress, which except in the case of a people's initiative, is empowered to set off the mechanism for proposing Charter changes either through a constitutional convention or a constituent assembly.
On the proposal of the Church to form Task Force 2010 that comprised of members of the Catholic Church and other civic groups, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo said the government supports any action that would strengthen democracy and to make our elections free and fair."
"But I am not focused on the next election and I will not be drawn into discussions on the race," Arroyo said over Bombo Radyo-General Santos.
She said the focus of her government now is on the pro-poor and economic programs, adding that the country's leadership should also give all its attention on managing the impact of the global financial crisis on the economy and "not on events that are many months down the road."
According to her, the global spike in the price of rice, food, and fuel has put a tremendous strain on Filipinos even as the government had been able to respond to this global challenge in a swift, measured and targeted manner. (JMR/Sunnex)
