No time for Charter change - Drilon

MANILA, Philippines - After President Benigno Aquino III again floated the idea of term extension through Charter change, Senate President Franklin Drilon said on Wednesday that the upper chamber has no time to discuss amendments to the Constitution.

In an interview with radio dzRH, Drilon said senators will have their hands full with important legislations such as the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law, which has to be passed by the first quarter of 2015.

Drilon said the Senate will also be discussing the 2015 national budget until December. Congress also needs to pass a joint resolution granting emergency powers to Aquino to avert a looming energy crisis next year.

"Kaya hindi ko po nakikita iyan, at wala pong panahon para diyan (charter change). Itong tatlong batas will occupy the calendar of the Senate. 'Yan po ang sitwasyon," said Drilon, an Aquino ally.

Lifting the President's single, six-year term limit will require Charter change. Earlier this week, Aquino said there will be a time for Constitutional amendments if the people would want him to stay in power after 2016.

"May kasabihan tayo, kapag gusto, walang imposible. Kapag ayaw, walang posible," Aquino said.

"If the vast majority think that this is the route that has to be taken, then there will be a way based on the Constitution to afford that opportunity," he added.

Aquino has been sending mixed messages on the issue of term extension. While he had clarified that he wants Charter change only to clip the powers of Supreme Court, he has also maintained that he will always listen to his bosses or the Filipino people.