Aquino open to charter change, lifting his presidential term limits

Ceremonial Turnover of New Assault Rifles

MANILA –  Following the recent announcement of the Palace that Aquino will not run for President next election, President Benigno Aquino said on Wednesday that he considers constitutional changes, including the alteration of terms limits for government officials that might allow to serve another  six-year term. This is due to the rejection of  the supreme court of Aquino’s disbursement acceleration program (DAP).

The present constitution would restrict Aquino, elected in 2010, to a single six-year term. The limit was born of the country's involvement of martial law under the late strongman Ferdinand Marcos, who ruled the country for several years. Marcos was elected President for more than two decades.

In an  interview with a local television network, Aquino  was asked whether charter changes would allow him to seek a second term in 2016 where he answered "When I got into this, I remembered it was  for one term of six years," he replied.

"Now, after having said that, of course I have to listen to my bosses," he added, using his usual reference to the Filipino people. "But that doesn't mean...that I will automatically chase after another term, right?"

Currently, Aquinos allies, including Mar Roxas are asking him for another term while some netizens are supporting this campaign in a Facebook page named “one more term for PNOY”. Recently, Interior Secretary Manuel "Mar" Roxas, who is a chief ally of Aquino and one of the leaders of the administration party, expressed his own opinion Aquino should seek a second term.

Former presidents have considered charter amendments, but faced intense public disapproval for attempting to extend their term of office. 

Aquino also said charter changes would allow for a review of the courts' powers as a check on other branches of government.

Last month, the Supreme Court ruled that a government move to use budget savings for provocation spending without congressional appropriation was unlawful, sparking debates on whether Aquino was indeed committed to his anti-corruption promises, since the money funded legislators' pet projects.