The House panel drafting proposals to amend the Charter rejected the recommendation of the Constitutional Consultative Commission (ConCom) to extend the terms of office of incumbent elective officials by deferring the holding of the 2007 elections.

In a committee meeting, the panel likewise turned down moves to extend the retirement age of officials of the judiciary which is currently set at 70.

Cagayan de Oro Rep. Constantino Jaraula, committee chairman, said the House panel will continue studying all proposed amendments to the 1987 Constitution. It is expected to come up with a final set of recommendations within the next two weeks.

"Definitely, the decision of the committee is overwhelming against the ConCom proposal cancelling the 2007 elections or any extension of terms of public officials,’’ Jaraula said.

The proposal appeared to be the most unpopular among the recommendations made by the ConCom last December.

Former Pasig City Rep. Noel Cariño led the ConCom members who rejected the proposal which they described as "unconscionable.’’

Parañaque Rep. Roilo Golez, a staunch oppositor of the "no-el’’ plan, expressed his gratitude to the majority bloc for supporting his motion to declare that the committee will "abhor and renounce’’ any attempt to postpone the 2007 elections.

"I am happy that the Committee on Constitutional Amendments approved my resolution abhorring and renouncing any suggestion, any reference to the cancellation of the 2007 elections. I am very happy that it got an overwhelming support,’’ Golez said.

In the same panel meeting, a unanimous vote was given to Makati Rep. Teodoro Locsin’s motion to reject any proposal to extend the retirement age of judiciary officials.

Angara proposes  a constituent  assembly measure

By MARIO B. CASAYURAN

Sen. Edgardo J. Angara yesterday called for the passage of an enabling law that would direct the Senate and the House of Representatives to meet not only as a law-making body but also as an institution to amend the 1987 Constitution.

Angara said the move, which calls for the convening of a constituent assembly (con-ass), would probably be the "final solution’ to the unresolved problem of whether or not President Arroyo should cut short her term in 2007 and serve as interim President or stay until 2010, the end of her elective six-year tenure.

The Malacanang-created Consultative Commission had recommended amendments to the 19 year-old Charter and proposed a shift in the form of government from presidential to parliamentary.

Angara said he has been proposing a shift to a parliamentary form of government for more than three decades and he has been vocal and unwavering in this stand.

"For about half a century, the presidential form of government has resulted in gridlocks and stalemates while most countries have left us behind in economic growth and political maturity," Angara said.

Angara maintained that a Con-Ass is the only organ that could immediately debate on the issue and settle once and for all whether or not the President should cut short her term in 2007.

Angara was a member of the 1971 Constitutional Convention (Con-Con) that amended the 1935 Constitution.

He said that while a Con-Con can have the same broad powers, such body could not be immediately put in place because delegates to a Con-Con still have to be elected by the people.

Members of a Con-Ass, on the other hand, are the present members of the 24member Senate and the 245-man Lower House.

Both houses of Congress, after the formation of the Con-Ass, could to their work singly or jointly, Angara said.