Senators warn against revolutionary government scenario

MANILA, Philippines - Senators warned yesterday against propositions allowing President Arroyo to stay in power and a military-backed “revolutionary government” under her to amend the Constitution.

Lawyer Homobono Adaza, who was earlier accused of being part of the destabilization attempt against the Arroyo government last year, said there was no one among the presidential hopefuls qualified to replace Mrs. Arroyo and that only she could best serve the interest of the Filipino people.

Sen. Loren Legarda said this kind of statement was inviting chaos.

“Now we hear of a scenario in which President Arroyo is urged to declare a revolutionary government, presumably because no one is qualified to run for president in the 2010 elections,” she said.

“That’s as outlandish an idea as it can get because we do not lack qualified candidates for the highest office of the land. Likewise, Filipinos would have none of whatever extra-constitutional measures the administration may be considering just to stay in power past 2010.”
“What do they want to do? To invite the same level of protest by the people like what is now being seen in Iran?”

 Sen. Richard Gordon said Mrs. Arroyo can declare a revolutionary government to remain in power.

“To me, you could do that, if there is really a will, abolish Congress and declare a revolutionary government. For example, if the elections fail, if massive violence is perpetrated, or falsely spread (rumors that) the machines have broken down, there are no results and then there are mass actions, and then they send out the military, and they say the government will not function anymore because this Congress has not been elected, I declare a revolutionary government,” he said.

Sen. Francis Escudero said he could not trust Adaza’s standards if he was using Mrs. Arroyo as the ideal.

Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel Jr. also said, “President Arroyo would be a fool if she does as suggested,” referring to the declaration of a revolutionary government.

Adaza said Mrs. Arroyo can make drastic and much needed changes in the country if she would declare a revolutionary government, convene either a constituent assembly or constitutional convention to change the Constitution, postpone the 2010 elections and establish a federal government. – Aurea Calica