Commission members flew to Cebu City to begin the regional public debates on Charter change. The group will also visit Iloilo, Davao, Leyte, Zamboanga, Cagayan de Oro, and Puerto Princesa in Palawan this week.

Voting 32 to 7, the Con-Com earlier agreed to adopt a committee report recommending the shift from the present presidential to parliamentary form of government.

However, the body ruled that the decision is not yet final, pending results of the provincial consultations.

"The preliminary recommendations to shift from the presidential-bicameral form of government to parliamentary-unicameral form of government is hereby approved,’’ said Commissioner Emmanuel Angeles, chair of the committee on the form of government.

Meanwhile, Commissioner Gerardo Espina Sr., a proponent of the presidential system, said the present form of government could make do with some "modifications.’’

In particular, Espina said a unicameral form of legislature could very well answer the problem of gridlock between the House of Representatives and the Senate under the present form of government.

Espina said a fused Executive-Legislative branches of government such as under a parliamentary system would only promote corruption since the Prime Minister would be tempted to ensure that his supporters would be seated in the Parliament.

Meanwhile, President Arroyo yesterday urged the public to take part in the nationwide consultations initiated by the Constitutional Consultative Commission (ConCom) on the proposed amendments to the Constitution.

The President, through Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita, said the "democratic exercise" would help the commission, led by former University of the Philippines president Jose Abueva, to craft the "best recommendations" in the formulation of possible reforms in the 1987 Constitution.

"We reiterate the call of the President to all local governments, non-government organizations, and all sectors to actively participate in these debates and discussions that have a direct impact on our country’s future," Ermita said.

Ermita said he expects the consultative process to address public questions on the proposed shift to a parliamentary form of government and its effects as well as the impact of federalism on rural economies and government services, among others.

"This democratic exercise will help Con-Com members come up with their best recommendations on how to hasten national progress and promote national unity through charter change," Ermita said.

Press Secretary Ignacio Bunye said the President has ordered local governments to conduct an information campaign on charter change in every barangay.

"All Filipinos, especially those in far-flung areas, will be given the chance to actively participate in a discussion of a vital political process affecting their lives," Bunye said.

Bunye said all the sentiments and arguments would be heard and weighed in the consultative process initiated by the Con-Com.

"This is our most important democratic exercise in the next 50 years that will change the political and social landscape for the benefit of future generations," he said.

The President has asked the commission to consider the shift to a parliamentary-federal system of government as among the possible revisions to the 1987 charter.

Mrs. Arroyo also pushed changes in economic policies that hinder the country’s global competitiveness and adversely affect the people’s welfare.

The commission has until Dec. 15 to submit its recommendations on constitutional reforms. The President could either reject or endorse the draft to Congress for consideration. (with a report by Genalyn Kabiling)