Press Release
August 13, 2008

LACSON TO PALACE: CONCERN ON CHA-CHA AN ISSUE OF CREDIBILITY

It's a question of trust and credibility.

On this note, Sen. Panfilo M. Lacson scored Malacañang for insinuating senators who signed a resolution for a shift to federalism are flip-flopping on their position.

"The concern we harbor now about Malacañang's backing for a resolution for a shift to federalism has nothing to do with our principles. But our concern has a lot to do with Malacañang's track record of political maneuvers," Lacson said.

Lacson was among the senators who signed Resolution No. 10, which seeks a constituent assembly for the establishment of a federal form of government.

Earlier, press secretary and presidential spokesman Jesus Dureza claimed that the Senate should be to blame if its latest Cha-cha bid for federalism flops.

Dureza said Malacañang's bid was merely in support of the Senate resolution seeking a shift to a federal form of government.

Lacson maintained the Palace's game plan is to extend Mrs. Arroyo's term beyond 2010, adding this had been out in the open since 2004.

"It's been part of their plan all along. That's been their plan since 2004, especially when the Hello Garci controversy broke out. They have been working to amend the charter, not to improve our economic provisions but for political considerations," he said.

He said that in the many times the Arroyo government tried to amend the Charter, the people had repeatedly rejected it.

"The people won't allow it. Neither will the Senate or Congress. During the so many times they attempted to amend the Charter, the people had spoken," he said.

Lacson also said the political opposition had always been "one and united" that any Charter change should not benefit the present administration but the Filipino people, not now but after the unelected president no longer rules.

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