Term extension is PNoy’s decision – Palace

Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda

MANILA – A palace executive reiterated that the idea of seeking for re-election by amending the Constitution is President Aquino’s idea.

“I really don’t know why the allusion is against the people surrounding the President when the President himself has already openly stated his views on the Constitution and the President cannot be dictated on,” Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda said on Friday.

Lacierda was responding to insinuations coming from Vice President Jejomar Binay that PNoy’s decision was influenced by some of his Cabinet officials.

“I don’t understand that because it’s clear – it’s coming from the President. So, I don’t know who the Vice President is referring to but the President has already mentioned it openly – he’s very honest about his views on the Constitution,” Lacierda said.

“Again, why refer to the people behind the President when the President himself has already spoken out and said that he’s consulting with his bosses?” he added.

Lacierda also said that Aquino has already made clear his views about Charter Change adding that members of opposition were the ones obsessed with the 2016 elections.

He also emphasized Aquino’s goal to keep the branches of the government in check.

“You shouldn’t worry about being a threat to democracy because what we’re after is really a healthy balance between the three branches of government,” he said.

“He (also) knows that unlike previous administrations, there is also support from the ground on term extension,” Lacierda added.