Concord relaunch depends on groundswell of support

The Constitutional Correction for Development (Concord), which President Estrada grounded the other day, will take off again once Malacañang feels it has mustered a "groundswell of support" from the people.

This developed as opposition Rep. Juan Miguel Zubiri of Bukidnon urged the President to drop Concord altogether, not just defer it.

On the other hand, former President Corazon Aquino expressed satisfaction over Mr. Estrada's decision to suspend his Concord. "I am happy with the President's deferment of Concord. It shows that he puts the interests of the Filipino people above all other considerations," she said.

Presidential Spokesman Fernando Barican admitted that despite Mr. Estrada's decision to put Concord on the back burner, Malacañang will still intensify its campaign for the Charter changes being espoused by the Chief Executive.

Barican clarified that Mr. Estrada wants Concord to take its due course, not end up in partisan debates or become a political issue.

"This is an issue for the entire nation. Constitutional change is not a partisan issue. It requires public support, groundswell of public support and the President understands that this should not be led by just the executive department."

Barican expressed optimism that the President would ultimately be vindicated when the economy moves forward after the constitutional changes have taken place.

"I have no doubt that the people will not blame him for having pointed these changes out. They will blame those who tried to promote those fears, not hope, and they will realize that these people were mistaken (in opposing Concord)," Barican stressed.

Executive Secretary Ronaldo Zamora also said Malacañang will explain the advantages of Concord more clearly and extensively to the people.

"President Estrada heeded the people as shown in opinion polls. However, the polls said the people accept the idea of constitutional amendments, but they simply don't think it's the right time to do it," Zamora said.

"This does not mean it (Concord) has ended. We are going full blast in our drive because some sectors make it appear that Concord is anti-Filipino," Zamora stressed.

Zubiri said the President should totally abandon his plan to amend certain economic provisions of the Charter "because public vigilance will see to it that there will be no Concord comeback."

"If the President is merely buying time, if he's piling up more pogi (handsome) points and waiting for the right time to relaunch his pet, but lost cause, then he's mistaken. Opposition to Concord will be as vigorous," Zubiri said.