MANILA, June 6, 2013— Amid talks of a looming change in the Senate leadership, a retired Catholic archbishop said it may be a prelude move to boost the Charter change train.
Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop Emeritus Oscar Cruz said that amending the 1987 Constitution is something the public should watch out for under the Aquino administration.
“Better watch out for the coming three years when the Philippine Constitution could be amended,” Cruz said.
Last month, House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte floated the idea of Charter Change after most of the administration allies won in the recent midterm elections.
Despite President Benigno Aquino III’s claim that his position not to amend the Charter remains, Cruz still believes that Charter change is one of the reasons why the administration wants control of the House of Representatives and the Senate.
The prelate’s statement comes after Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile on Wednesday announced his “irrevocable resignation” as head of the Upper House of Congress.
It is believed that Senator Franklin Drilon, a close ally of Aquino, will be the next Senate President when the 16th Congress opens.
“With such a development, who says there is no virtual dictatorship in the country?” asked the former president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP).
“The people better watch out of dictatorial moves of Malacañang and faithful followers,” Cruz added.
A former military bishop, meanwhile, has an apprehension that the United States military bases will return in the Philippines.
“Watch out for the pro-US policies, specially the return of military bases, only senate can ratify,” said Lipa Archbishop Ramon Arguelles, former bishop of the Military Ordinariate of the Philippines. (CBCPNews)