By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos | Philippine News Agency
Malacañang on Tuesday dismissed as mere speculation the claims that President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is eyeing amendments to the 1987 Constitution for possible term extensions and election postponement.
In a radio interview, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the alleged push for Charter change has never been discussed in meetings presided over by Marcos Jr. at Malacañan Palace.
“Kapag po kami ay nagmi-meeting, ni hindi po iyan napag-uusapan,” Castro said.
“Ang daming meetings ng Pangulo pero hindi po iyan ang nagiging agenda dahil walang balak sa ganiyan. Hindi po iyan priority ng Pangulo at hindi po iyan gagawin,” she added.
This came after Sen. Imee Marcos alleged that there are moves to amend the Constitution through a constituent assembly to extend the terms of incumbent officials until 2031, lower the age requirement for presidential candidates to 35, and cancel the 2028 presidential elections.
Castro denied that the Executive branch is pushing for constitutional amendments, noting that the President remains focused on governance concerns, including the effects of El Niño.
She said the Chief Executive adheres to the law and has never considered a “no-election” scenario.
“Meron tayong batas. Maliwanag na 2028, supposed to be may eleksyon, Huwag nating ibaling sa Pangulo dahil ang Pangulo ay sa batas. So, ano ang batas? May eleksyon sa 2028,” Usec. Castro said.
Usec. Castro challenged the senator to present proof instead of dragging the President into speculation.
She recalled that in 2023, the President rejected calls from some lawmakers to amend the Constitution’s economic provisions, saying Charter change was “not the solution to the country’s problem.”
Citing her personal opinion, Castro said the senator’s remarks could be part of a tactic to divert public attention from issues surrounding the looming impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, the recent gun scare inside the Senate premises, and the escape of Sen. Ronald dela Rosa.
“Sa aking paningin, itong ginawa ni Senator Imee, pantakip ito sa mas malaking isyu ng impeachment trial and maliban diyan, pagtakip ito sa pagtatakas kay Senator Bato dela Rosa na nasa custody nila, nasa protective custody nila,” Usec. Castro said.
She urged the public not to be alarmed by what she described as mere rumors.
“Sa mga kababayan natin, iyang mga klaseng kwento, hangga’t wala tayong nakikitang sinisimulan, huwag tayong maalarma kasi puro haka-haka lang iyan,” she said.
“Wala pa sa Step 1, di ba? Siguro kung may nakikita na kayong mga senyales kasi sa akin on my part, wala talaga akong nakikitang senyales sa Palasyo na ito ang tinutumbok kasi hindi po talaga iyan pinag-uusapan,” Castro added.
