Press Release
November 26, 2008

ROXAS WARNS AGAINST POSTPONEMENT OF 2010 ELECTIONS

Liberal President Senator Mar Roxas today warned the administration against any blatant attempt to stay in power and perpetuate its nefarious rule that has spawned one controversy after another.

"To the administration: this is a warning. Patugtugin ninyo ang Cha-Cha ngayon para pahabain ang termino ni Pangulong Arroyo at talagang malilintikan kayo sa taumbayan (push Cha-Cha to extend President Arroyo's term and you'll see the wrath of the people)," he said.

"Any proposed change in the Constitution must be discussed in a thorough and sober manner after the 2010 elections through a constitutional convention that should be elected in the 2010 elections. Railroading it now through a constituent assembly is against the people's will," he stressed..

Roxas said that the Liberal Party is united against any attempt to manipulate the Constitution to favor those in power now.

"Nagkakaisa ang Partido Liberal laban sa term extension ng Pangulo at kontra sa Cha-Cha bago mag-2010 (The Liberal Party is one against extending the President's term and against Cha-Cha before 2010). We will not put up with those who want to perpetuate themselves in power," he said.

The Ilonggo senator noted that in a recent Social Weather Stations survey, 64% of respondents had expressed their opposition to Charter change.

"Nagsalita na ang taumbayan. Ayaw nila ng Cha-Cha. Iniisip nila ang pangkabuhayan nila, kung paano nila papakainin ang pamilya nila. Wala silang interes na manatili ang pangungurakot sa gobyerno (The people have spoken. They don't want Cha-Cha. They are thinking of their livelihoods, on how they will feed their families. They don't want a perpetuation of corruption in the government)," he said.

"Maski anong gawin ng Kamara, dadaan pa ito sa Senado. Ipaglalaban namin ang interes ng ating kababayan. Hindi kami mabibili nitong one-year term extension (Whatever the House passes will need to go through the Senate. We will fight for the people's interest. We will not be bought by this one-year term extension)," said Roxas, who noted that 16 incumbent senators had signed a resolution against changes to the Constitution made through the House and Senate voting jointly.

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