GMA renews call for Cha-cha

President Arroyo renewed her call for swift political and economic reforms through Charter change to enable the country to catch up with its more prosperous neighbors in the region.

Governors, mayors and other local government officials, meanwhile, increased pressure on the reluctant Senate, which might block Mrs. Arroyo’s initiative.

They expressed optimism that the lingering fear of a restive military intervening to resolve the political crisis might convince senators to back a resolution in the House of Representatives calling for a constituent assembly to amend the Constitution.

Addressing high-powered delegates to the influential Asia-Pacific Council of American Chambers of Commerce (APCAC) annual meeting at the Shangri-La Hotel in Makati City, Mrs. Arroyo said her administration was pushing efforts to amend the Constitution because revolutions in technology are creating "new collaborations and opportunities" that nations must take advantage of.

"To keep up with the rapid evolution of technology and the power of market place, we in the Philippines are reforming our political system to make our democracy move faster," she said in her speech.

Mrs. Arroyo was welcomed by APCAC chairman George Drysdale Jr., American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (AmCham) chairman Rick Santos, and AmCham executive director Robert Sears.

Also present were Trade and Industry Secretary Peter Favila and US Embassy Chargé d’ Affaires Paul Jones.

APCAC is comprised of 26 member AmChams that aim to bolster the competitiveness of American enterprises in the region. —With Cecille Suerte Felipe, Christina Mendez