GMA misleading people on Cha-cha — Joker

Maverick Sen. Joker Arroyo accused President Arroyo yesterday of misleading the people on the controversial issue of Charter change (Cha-cha).

Senator Arroyo told a news conference that the President used "a presidential adviser whom we have forgotten about" to raise a "trial balloon" on the possible setting up of a transition government led by Mrs. Arroyo through Cha-cha.

The former Estrada impeachment trial prosecutor was referring to Presidential Adviser for Special Concerns Norberto Gonzales, whom Malacañang has tasked to push for Cha-cha in Congress.

According to the scenario painted by Gonzales, Mrs. Arroyo, despite her promise not to run, would join the 2004 presidential race but would cut short her term as part of a transition to the parliamentary system.

"That’s a crazy idea," Senator Arroyo said. "It’s just a cover for her running."

"They are misleading the people by giving them one excuse or another for her candidacy, which has now become more likely given her positive ratings," he said.

Asked whether Gonzales has the President’s clearance in pushing for Cha-cha and floating the idea of a transition government, Arroyo said the presidential adviser has Mrs. Arroyo’s blessings.

"They are just pulling our leg when one says one thing and the other says another," he said.

He advised the President to now tell the nation that she is taking back her Dec. 30, 2002 promise not to run and that she would join the May 2004 presidential race.

"That’s her right. We won’t begrudge her," he said.

He also told Mrs. Arroyo and her allies to stop "dreaming about Cha-cha."

"Here in the Senate, Cha-cha is headed for the archives," he said.

The constitutional amendments committee, chaired by Sen. Edgardo Angara, is scheduled to meet on July 14 to decide whether to recommend the convening of Congress into a constituent assembly to propose Charter changes or the election of a constitutional convention.

The House of Representatives has voted overwhelmingly in favor of a constituent assembly since a convention, according to estimates, could cost the nation at least P6 billion, a huge expense especially at this time of soaring budget deficits.