Protesters denounce Aquino term extension

President BS Aquino takes time out for a photo-op while inspecting the controversial bunkhouses (Photo : getrealphilippines.com)

MANILA – Following reports that President Aquino is now open to the idea of extending his term, protesters expressed their sentiments against lifting the president’s single-term limit.

During the celebration of the 31st death anniversary of the president’s father, Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr., several protesters flocked around the Ninoy Aquino monument in Quezon City.

They branded the president a ‘budding dictator’ while holding placards showcasing photos of PNoy’s parents.

It could be noted that President Aquino’s parents, the country’s figures of democracy, are among those who bravely stood against dictatorship during the Marcos regime.

PNoy’s mother, former President Corazon Aquino refused to extend her term amid her supporters’ arguments that she is not covered by the 1987 Constitution’s provision limiting the president’s term.

The late president said in a speech that the desire to stay in power was among the reasons for the Marcos dictatorship in 1972.

Meanwhile, Vice President Jejomar Binay, a recipient of the special award for those who fought the Marcos dictatorship is also against the idea of term extension.

Binay, sharing the same thought with the protesters also believes that lifting the single-term for president is a threat to the country’s democracy.