|
Monday, July 25, 2005
Arroyo bats for changing Charter through assembly
PRESIDENT Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo said Monday it was now time to seriously consider changes to the Constitution to allow a shift to another form of government.
In her State-of-the-Nation address, Arroyo said the country's political system has degenerated to such an extent that it has become a hindrance to the country's progress.
"The system clearly needs fundamental change, the sooner the better. It's time to start the great debate on Charter change," she said, adding that she favored introducing the amendments through a Constituent Assembly over other modes as this may well give people the quickest reforms.
She said developments in the political arena make a compelling case for federalism and pointed out that passage of legislation would be quickened and laws made more responsive under a parliamentary system.
"Perhaps we politicians have done our best, but maybe our best is not enough given the present system. Perhaps we have strained the present political system to its final limit. It is time to bring in the people, bring them into government and change the way government is done."
She added it was now time to take power from the center and give this to the countryside.
"I shall work with Congress, civil society groups and local government executives who are convinced that Charter change is needed to enable the country to surmount the challenges of the 21st century," Arroyo said.
Former President Fidel V. Ramos earlier proposed Constitutional amendments and a shift to a parliamentary form to address the country's economic and political crisis.
"But even as we make a serious start in Charter change, I hope we can still work together on some initiatives for the lasting benefit of our nation."
She said that among these is education. She asked Congress to pass the Pre-need Code and to rehabilitate the pre-need educational program that had worked so well in the past. "College education is the great Filipino dream," Arroyo said.
The President at the start of her speech noted the division within the country. "The story of our nation is a story of two Philippines. Two countries under the same name," she said, as she went into the economic disparity among Filipinos. She then promised to put the country's fiscal house in order.
"Ours is a country divided," said Arroyo, who has come under pressure to quit with nearly five years left in her term over allegations that she rigged last year's election. "One is a Philippines whose economy...is now poised for takeoff. The other...has become a hindrance to progress."
She said the economy grew more than six percent last year and continues to expand despite high oil prices. The economic story includes the 69 million beneficiaries of health care insurance. She cites the decline of drug menace by half, the rush kidnappings have become a thing in the past and the insurgency in the South abated.
"There is much work o be done. Now is not the time for divisiveness, and while there is no avoiding partisan politics, there could be a concerted effort on both sides to limit the collateral damage on a country poised for take-off. Let's call on the Lord to lead us," she said.
Arroyo ends her speech by appealing to strive for one Philippines, "not a country of this or that President" but one that shares a country's passion. (Sunnex)
(July 25, 2005 issue)
Write letter to the editor.Click here.
Join the Sun.Star message board.Click here. |
|
|
|
[return to top]
[home]
|
|
