Ramos assails con-com’s ‘no election’ proposal

Former President Fidel Ramos described yesterday the proposal of the consultative commission (con-com) to postpone the elections in 2007 as a "monumental blunder."

"The no-elections (scenario), I consider that a monumental blunder for our people expect, anticipate elections in 2007 whether it is still the presidential, or hopefully, it will be the better parliamentary system," Ramos said in an interview on ANC News Channel cable television.

"I hope that this monumental blunder being foisted on our suffering people and a beleaguered government which is the Arroyo government will be prevented or at least remedied by congressional action or Malacañang initiatives because Malacañang has not really taken a position on this," Ramos said.

At Malacañang, Presidential Adviser on Political Affairs Gabriel Claudio said yesterday it was "premature" for Ramos to criticize the con-com’s recommendation to postpone the 2007 elections.

"It is only a proposal and, judging from the slim voting margin among con-com members, perhaps a soft one at that," he said, referring to the 22 commissioners who objected to the proposed transitory provisions.

"I’m sure they will take into account the propriety and public opinion factor and how a no-el scenario will strengthen or weaken the chances for approval of the more substantive amendments, such as the adoption of a parliamentary system by the people in a plebiscite."

Claudio said the 55-member con-com’s recommendation would have to pass muster with Congress, which would make "a prudent and judicious assessment" on the issue of extending the terms of incumbent officials.

Claudio said despite the controversial "no-el" proposal, he does not think anyone is inclined to question the good intentions of the con-com.

"The no-el proposal was probably only made as a transition mechanism of that objective, the acceptability of which can still be subjected to wider consultations," he said.

The objective of the con-com’s task was the shift to a parliamentary form of government, Claudio noted.

On the other hand, Ramos, a known ally of President Arroyo, dared Malacañang to come up with "a clear position" on the "no elections" issue by Jan. 1 next year.

"Right now, there is no position yet," he said.

"Let’s give them up to New Year. I’m not giving (President Arroyo) deadlines or ultimatums to anybody, but the issues are so crucial that any further delay will bring us closer and closer to the brink of economic and political failure," Ramos said.

He said he was opposed to the "no-el" proposal, and that Mrs. Arroyo could not expect his support should she adopt the con-com’s recommendation.

"I can say that my support is waning right now," he said.

It was "hard to get" a copy of the con-com’s report, Ramos added.

However, Lito Lorenzana, con-com secretary general and spokesman, said a copy of the report would be made available to Ramos as soon as possible.

"Some of his thoughts were included there, especially in the aspect of liberalizing the economy," he said. "I think it’s better for him to read the recommendation first before making any conclusion."

Lorenzana said he did not personally hear the comments of Ramos but appealed to the former president to read the whole proposal of the con-com first.

"We are not discouraged," he said. "We like it better when the different views are aired so that the people would be more aware of the advantages of the (con-com) recommendations so we can have a healthy debate."

He would immediately give Ramos a copy of the report to avoid any misunderstanding, he added.

Lorenzana expressed confidence that Congress and the people would support and adopt their recommendations.

"Actually, the only thing controversial about it is the ‘no election’ proposal in 2007," he said. "But in the long run, they will also understand our point. Let’s go deeper into the substantial content of the (con-com) report."

The commission also proposed a gradual shift to federalism without requiring a timeframe, seeking to mandate local governments to become autonomous territories for the country to become a federal republic in 10 years.

On liberalizing economic policies, it recommended the lifting of a provision restricting foreign exploration, development and use of the country’s natural resources.

Foreign ownership restrictions on certain industries and businesses like public utilities, educational institutions and investments were to be at the discretion of the newly formed parliament.

The House of Representatives has approved a concurrent resolution seeking to convert Congress into a constituent assembly to propose amendments to the Constitution.

A similar resolution by the Senate would finalize the move for a constituent assembly.

However, majority support in the Senate for a constituent assembly at this time is still unclear. — With Paolo Romero