Aquino still coy on fresh mandate

MADRID–If there’s a will, there’s a way.

Thus said President Aquino amid suggestions that time was running out to lift the constitutional prohibition against term extensions after he expressed openness to seek a fresh mandate.

“Isn’t there a saying that nothing is impossible if you want something, but if you don’t want it, it’s impossible?” he asked when the issue was brought up in a press conference on board his chartered flight to Belgium.

“So if the vast majority [of the people] think this is the route that has to be taken, then there should be a way based on the Constitution to afford that opportunity.”

So does he really want another term or not?

“The consultations continue,” he said, citing the advantages and disadvantages of remaining in office for another six-year term.

“I start with the facts: What do you want? What is our intention here? Then we will agree by consensus where we will all go.”