Noy still against Cha-cha

MANILA, Philippines - President Benigno S. Aquino III is still against charter change despite Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago's call to amend the Constitution, Malacañang said on Saturday.

“Senator Santiago has always been very frank about parts of the Constitution that on her opinion need to be amended. However, at present, it’s really not a priority of the administration,” Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte said.

Santiago earlier said she wants to have the Constitution amended to ban members of political dynasties and candidates without college degrees from running for public office.

Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacieda said Aquino does not want to interfere in the process as he is busy with governance, but he is willing to discuss the proposal with lawmakers.

Valte said an anti-political dynasty bill is being pushed in Congress but has yet to reach the plenary for debates.

Lacierda meanwhile said the Philippine economy has improved despite the absence of a charter change.