Philippine President to Announce Form of Government by Mid-Year Amid Resurgent Charter Change Debate

Strategic Insights -

Amid renewed discussions on changing the 1987 Philippine Constitution, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo is expected to announce the form of government she will endorse by mid-year, according to presidential adviser Gabriel Claudio. This development follows the congressional approval of the value-added tax (VAT) bill, a priority revenue-generating proposal of the administration. The President is expected to take into consideration the inputs from the upcoming political summit in July, which will also be a factor in deciding which form of government to support.

Key Takeaways:

  • President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo is expected to announce the form of government she will endorse by mid-year amid renewed discussions on changing the 1987 Philippine Constitution.
  • The announcement is likely to be made during her State of the Nation Address (SONA) in July, according to presidential adviser Gabriel Claudio.
  • Claudio stated that inputs from the political summit in July will be among the factors used by the President in deciding which form of government to back up.
  • Charter change advocates are eyeing either a parliamentarian, federal or a combination of both governance modes to replace the country's existing presidential system.
  • The proposed changes are aimed at eliminating gridlocks in the legislative process and other barriers hampering public service.
  • Presidential adviser Gabriel Claudio believes that many inputs from the summit will be incorporated in Mrs. Arroyo's report to the nation this year.
  • The Malacañang administration is pushing for the establishment of a timetable within which 'cha-cha' should be completed.
  • Independent senator Juan Ponce Enrile noted that 'cha-cha' can be realized sooner than most authorities expect.
  • Enrile suggested that Filipinos should assess the advantages and disadvantages of ways by which constitutional change can be undertaken, including a constitutional convention and a constituent assembly.

Statistics:

  • Estimated cost of a constitutional convention: two to three billion pesos
  • Number of delegates required for a constitutional convention: to be elected to draft the new Charter
  • Number of legislators required for a constituent assembly: already elected

Sources:

  • (Asia Pulse, 16 May)
  • Philippine News Agency (PNA), 16 May