Fresh Chacha moves fuel suspicion Arroyo wants to stay in power

MANILA, Philippines - Despite Malacañang's denials, its moves to amend the 1987 Constitution raise fresh suspicion that President Arroyo wants to stay in power beyond 2010, a militant group has said. Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) secretary general Renato Reyes Jr. said Arroyo is playing a "very dangerous game" by escalating the armed conflict in Mindanao, and then pushing for federalism and charter change. "Critics of the administration have every reason to be wary of Charter change especially since this has always been tied to maneuvers to keep Mrs. Arroyo in power beyond 2010. There is nothing in the track record of this government which says it can be trusted with amending the Constitution," Reyes said in a statement on the Bayan website. Bayan said the move to change the Charter will not stop at federalism; it could proceed to tinkering with other provisions such as term extension of incumbent leaders. It also cautioned the Arroyo administration of making federalism a cure-all solution to the armed conflict in Mindanao. "It is not just a simple way forward as Malacanang would like us to believe. We don't even know how serious they are in their pitch for federalism. It could all be an elaborate ruse to push a more sinister agenda," Reyes said. Bayan urged the Senate to take a critical stand towards new moves to change the Constitution. "The Senate should not allow Malacanang to railroad cha-cha. The road to peace can still be achieved if the Arroyo government negotiates in good faith and orders a cessation of military operations," Reyes said. - GMANEws.TV