MANILA-Vice President Jejomar C. Binay said the
people behind the campaign to extend President Benigno Aquino III’s term should
respect the President’s decision.
“President Aquino, through Secretary
Coloma, has made known his sentiments on term extension. We must respect his
decision and end this politically-divisive initiative,” Binay said.
Binay also questioned the motive of those
behind the proposal after it caused undue criticism of the President.
“It was a selfish proposal to begin with,
motivated more by personal rather than national interest. It was also
unfair to the President. The proposal put him on the spot and made him the
object of criticisms which he doesn't deserve,” he added.
Binay said he is certain the President
will not seriously consider running again because doing so would damage the
legacy left by his mother former president Corazon Aquino.
“Those who made the proposal don't know
the President. He is a decent person and will not cling to power. He is a
student of history, and he won't tarnish his mother's good name just to please
some personalities,” he said.
“President Cory rejected a similar move
to extend her term. As a private citizen, she opposed similar moves by
succeeding administrations. I am certain President Noynoy will follow the
sterling example of his mother,” Binay added.
Presidential Communications Operations
Office Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. made it clear that the President has no
plans to extend his term.
He also reminded the public of the
provision in the 1987 Constitution that a Philippine president could only serve
a six-year term.
Aquino could only be re-elected if
Congress would amend the Constitution, but the President himself has repeatedly
rejected proposals to amend the Charter.
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