GMA revives Charter Change for 2012

President Gloria Arroyo is reviving Charter change efforts to push for a federal system in 2012.

"To address the issue of terrorism and insurgency in Mindanao, we are hereby forming a panel, including the secretaries of the interior and local government, justice, the Presidential Management Staff and the National Economic and Development Authority, the leaders of the local government units, congress allies, and maybe even pro-federalism opposition leaders to draft a roadmap to federalism by 2012. The measures could include: super region planning and oversight bodies with officials and staff from the regional development councils and national agencies, to draw up programs and projects up to a stipulated amount, for inclusion in the 2009 budget; legislation to affirm and expand executive issuances, and eventually charter changes," the president said during the Regional Workshop on the Establishment of National Human Rights.

Palace officials meanwhile deny that the plans of the president on Charter change has anything to do with the impeachment moves against her at the House.