President Benigno S. Aquino III (Photo by: Robert Viñas/ Malacañang Photo Bureau)
MANILA, Philippines—The influential New York Times newspaper has called out President Benigno Aquino III for entertaining thoughts of amending the Constitution in order to clip the powers of the Supreme Court and to run for a second term.
In an Aug. 28 editorial, titled “Political Mischief in the Philippines,” the New York Times described Mr. Aquino’s hints about going for another term and suggestions about limiting the powers of the high tribunal after it declared unconstitutional his Disbursement Acceleration Program (DAP), as “threats that jeopardize Philippine democracy.”
“Mr. Aquino should uphold the Constitution of a fragile democracy if only out of respect for his father, who was assassinated in the struggle against [the dictator Ferdinand] Marcos, and for his mother, who died in 2009 after leading the ‘people power’ that triumphed over the excesses and abuses of the presidency,” the editorial said.
Gracefully step down
“In practical terms, that means he should stop butting heads with the court and gracefully step down when his term is up,” it said.
Malacañang reacted with dismay over the New York Times editorial.
“President Aquino believes that there is sufficient reason to review the Constitution on the issue of judicial reach,” said Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. in a statement yesterday.
“Given this context, it is inappropriate to characterize this specific action of the President as political mischief or with the infidelity of the principles espoused by his parents. President Aquino remains solidly committed to the transformation of Philippine society that is anchored upon the good governance righteous path and on the vitality of its democratic institutions,” Coloma said.
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