The Philippines: Constitution for Cory

The final draft of the Philippines’ new constitution was presented last week to President Corazon (Cory) Aquino at Malacanang Palace. “Democracy is safe with this constitution,” she said after receiving two copies of the 59-page document, one in English, the other in Pilipino. The charter will be put to a nationwide plebiscite on Jan. 23.

One sticking point, though, is a rider to the constitution that grants Aquino a six-year term. Chief among opponents of the clause is Defense Minister Juan Ponce Enrile, who insists that Aquino should submit to new presidential elections. Enrile argues that Aquino lost her mandate to govern when she abandoned the 1973 constitution, under which the last elections were held. Aquino counters that during last February’s elections, “The people spoke so clearly, the whole world heard them.” Despite Enrile’s opposition, Aquino’s constitution is likely to be adopted.