Arroyo's Cha-cha Move 'humorous,' Says Bernas

MANILA, July 2, 2010- Former President Gloria Arroyo only showed her funny side when she filed a bill seeking for Constitutional amendments, a priest said.

Constitutionalist Fr. Joaquin Bernas said it's "humorous" that Arroyo herself is seeking Charter Change (Cha-cha) just a day after she began her first day as Pampanga's 2nd District Representative.

While he has nothing against amending the Charter, Bernas said Arroyo's move is "too early" as process for it should not be initiated until next year.

Arroyo and her son, Camarines Sur Rep. Diosdado Arroyo, co-authored House Resolution 8 which calls for Cha-cha through a constitutional convention (Con-con).

"Not for now. Eventually, I think, we will have Charter Change. I hope it's a Con-Con not earlier than 2011," said Bernas.

The Jesuit priest, who is also the Dean Emeritus of the Ateneo Law School, is one of the authors of the 1987 Constitution.

According to him, amending the Charter should not be made yet especially since President Benigno Aquino III has just been sworn recently.

Bernas noted that Filipinos are still euphoric over the entry of a new administration after Arroyo's nine-year term and thus making it impractical to hold another election.

"Getting a Con-con would mean another national election and we just had an election recently. It can be a very expensive process plus people are still distracted," Bernas said.

"It is still a little early... I doubt very much it will prosper this year. If at all, it might get going again next year. I doubt it will get going this year," he added.

Asked what he thinks of Arroyo's intention in filing such a controversial resolution, Bernas said he finds it funny.

"Well, she loves the country and she wants to improve the constitution," Bernas said laughing.

Arroyo has been accused by critics of wanting to amend the Constitution to pursue her bid to become the country's Prime Minister. (CBCPNews)