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Philippines will rewrite constitution
[Straits Times] PHILIPPINE lawmakers have passed a resolution to re-write the constitution, a move critics said on Wednesday is aimed at giving outgoing President Gloria Arroyo another term in power.
Hmmm... That might be the worst idea I've heard all day. It's certainly up there with the two or three worst.
The resolution was passed by the House of Representatives, which is dominated by Mrs Arroyo allies, following a marathon session just before midnight on Tuesday. It still needs the approval of the Senate.

The constitution, written in 1987, limits presidents to one six-year term in office. Tuesday's resolution would empower the Philippine Congress to convene as a constitutional assembly and re-write the document. 'It's impossible for them to do it without the Senate,' said Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile. He called the House measure an 'exercise in futility.'

The Philippines is due to hold a presidential election in May to choose the successor to Arroyo. Mrs Arroyo allies have been pressing to re-write the constitution for months - purportedly to make the economy more competitive by easing rules on foreign ownership in certain sectors.
Posted by: Fred 2009-06-04
http://www.rantburg.com/poparticle.php?ID=271183