GMA’s Rizal Day declaration spurs Cha-cha talks, says Angara

The decision of President Arroyo not to run in 2004 has given momentum to the decision of congressional leaders to hold full-blown discussions on constitutional change, opposition Sen. Edgardo Angara said yesterday.

‘‘Her decision should also hopefully end all the unproductive discussions on a no-election scenario," he added.

Angara, chairman of the Senate committee on constitutional amendments, said that by deciding against running, President Arroyo had provided a non-partisan color to discussions on constitutional change.

"No hidden, selfish and partisan agenda should color the charter change discussions," said Angara, who admitted being an adherent to constitutional amendments.

The Senate and the House have agreed to form a joint committee to hold public hearings on charter change. Angara said that at this point, there is no clear public pulse on constitutional change and whether or not there is popular support for this.

"What the joint committee on Congress wants to do is to move the charter change discussions out of the closet and into the public domain," Angara said.

Sen. John Osmena also pushed for a more open debate on proposed changes to the Constitution. - Efren Danao