Forum discusses post-GMA options

Possible scenarios and alternative responses, should President Gloria Arroyo resigns from office, were discussed during a forum at the IBP Hall last Friday night.

Bayan Muna party-list Rep. Teddy Casiño was the keynote speaker of the forum. Casino discussed issues on post-Gloria scenarios and transition options, organized by the Gloria Step-Down Movement group in Cebu.

Casiño said among the possible alternatives should Arroyo resign is the constitutional succession of Vice President Noli de Castro to the presidency, and should De Castro also resign, Senate President Franklin Drilon should assume the presidency within the transition period.

Some groups suggested an extra-constitutional alternative creating a transition council, a coalition of political groups and private sectors, to work for the election of a new president replacing Arroyo.

This council, they said, will be composed of people from the sectors of workers, laborers, farmers, indigenous people, youth, businessmen, political parties, and retired men from the military and police.

The forum rejected the possible alternative of a military junta saying that civilian supremacy should be upheld in a democratic society. - Norvie Misa