Marañon confident Cha-cha will push through before 2016

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines — Amending the Constitution or Charter change, also known as Cha-cha, will took place before 2016, according to Negros Occidental Governor Alfredo Marañon Jr., while 3rd district Representative Albee Benitez said the 16th Congress still has enough time to do that before President Aquino's term ends.

Marañon said the country needs reforms and he is supporting Cha-cha with the economic and judiciary provisions need to be amended, noting the slow justice system..

The governor opined that the election of senators should be by provinces or district, just like in the United States, so that each province or district will be equally represented and the budget will be properly distributed.

Earlier, Aquino said he changed his position on Cha-cha and he is already open to a possible extension of his term. "Only fools don't change his mind," reacted Marañon on the president's stand, noting that even former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo said she would not seek re-election but she did.

The governor told The Freeman six years is not enough for Aquino. "Six years is not enough for a good president but too long for a bad president," he said, adding that Aquino is one of the best presidents the country has ever have.

"If President Aquino will run in 2016, I will support him," said Marañon, emphasizing that Aquino is honest and doesn't live a lavish lifestyle. He added that Interior Secretary Mar Roxas could be a better successor of Aquino because he will continue the reforms undertaken by the Aquino administration.

Benitez, for his part, noted that the form of changing the Constitution must be established first. "We have not actually define on how to amend the Constitution, either on people's initiative, constituent assembly or legislative amendment," he said.

The Negros Occidental congressman said the House has been pushing for Cha-cha, but the proposal is only limited to the economic provision and not on its political aspect.

Benitez expressed concern on the proposal to extend PNoy's term. "Personally, maybe it's not the right time. It may not send the right signal to our people that we're extending the term of public officials. This is a very delicate issue. We'll just leave the political provisions," he said.

The lawmaker added he does not think Aquino will go for it, "I don't think the president has categorically said that he's running for second term. He knows better than that."  (FREEMAN)