VP Binay Respects PNoy’s Openness to Second Term

Manila (PNA) – Vice President Jejomar Binay said on Thursday he respects President Benigno S. Aquino III’s expression of openness to Charter change that would favor a second term for the Chief Executive.

”President Aquino has been quoted as expressing openness to listen to the people on the matter of seeking another term. I respect the statement of the President. Any national leader would want to hear the voice of the people on issues that will have far-reaching consequences,” Binay said in a press statement.

Binay, however, said the President clarified that it does not automatically mean he (President Aquino) will seek another term.

”What is important is that the voice he hears is an authentic and genuine voice, not one manufactured by quarters with vested interests who are driven mainly by self-preservation,” Binay added.

He said there is a need for them to focus on pursuing their goal of improving the lives of the Filipino people for the remainder of the President’s term and beyond.

In an exclusive TV5 interview Wednesday night, President Aquino said he is open to listen to the Filipino people whom he called “my bosses” on the issue of changing the Constitution reportedly to trim down the powers of the Supreme Court and to open the door to a second term for President.

”When I got into this, I remembered it is for one term of six years. Now after having said that, of course I have to listen to my bosses. But that doesn’t mean…that I will automatically chase after another term, right?,” the President said.

Under the Constitution, the President is allowed to sit for only one six-year term, a restriction instituted when the Charter was framed and ratified in 1987 during the term of President Aquino’s mother, former President Corazon Aquino.

Liberal Party (LP) stalwart and Interior Secretary Manuel ‘Mar’ Roxas recently said President Aquino should seek a second term to continue the economic growth achieved under the present administration.

The term of President Aquino will end in June 2016. (PNA) SCS/JFM

Image Credit: www.issues.ph