FVR to GMA: Sacrifice term if needed

Former President Fidel Ramos yesterday advised President Arroyo to make "sacrifices" which may include giving up a portion of her term of office if need be.

"The sacrifice may be, working double time — giving up a part of your elected term of office and focusing on constitutional reform," Ramos said before members of the Makati Business Club (MBC) at the Manila Peninsula Hotel in Makati City, dispensing what he usually refers to as "Kuya’s advice (brotherly advice)."

"The first draft of Charter change should be put in order without delay," he added obviously believing that Mrs. Arroyo would still have to go once the shift to a parliamentary or federal system of government is complete.

Last July, Ramos had suggested forming a committee of individuals to study and amend the Philippine Constitution shortly after the Arroyo administration was rocked by the resignation of 10 Cabinet officials.

Former President Corazon Aquino herself has asked Mrs. Arroyo to step down to make the "supreme sacrifice."

Ramos wanted constitutional reforms finished by January 2006 so that a plebiscite could be held by February followed by an election in May, thereby shortening the President’s term.

"President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo must reform herself," he told members of the MBC, the Management Association of the Philippines and the Financial Executives Institute of the Philippines.

"My concern is the national interest, the well-being of the people, and the security of the country," he added, urging Mrs. Arroyo to focus on strengthening the economy for now. — Michael Punongbayan