The Arroyo administration should heed the example of accountability in government left by former President Aquino and direct its Congress allies to abandon Charter change, the United Opposition (UNO) said.

This was stated by UNO president and Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay as he warned Malacanang that it could face a political upheaval should Administration allies push through with amending the 1986 Constitution and change the country’s presidential form of government to parliamentary.

“Cory’s death has awakened the people. She has bridged the generation that took part in EDSA 1 with the younger generation who are now aware that the freedom they enjoy was earned through struggle against a dictatorship. I am certain that if Mrs. Arroyo pushes through with her selfish agenda, the spirit of Cory Aquino will rally the people,” he said.

Binay also said that the former President stood up against the martial law regime, fought for clean and honest elections, and stood for morality and transparency in government when she became president.

“By her example, Cory showed the people the importance of standing up against an oppressive, corrupt and power hungry regime. She showed us that even as a private citizen, we can and should stand up for what is right,” he added.

It was reported that Aquino openly called for the resignation of Mrs. Arroyo over the “Hello Garci” scandal which allegedly revealed massive fraud in the 2004 presidential elections. The former President also led protest action against the declaration of a state of emergency in January 2006 and the anomalous NBN-ZTE scandal.

Meanwhile, UNO-National Capital Region chairperson and San Juan Mayor Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito called on President Gloria Arroyo to declare that a presidential election will transpire in 2010.

“To really honor the memory of Aquino, Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo should categorically state that the Presidential elections will be held in 2010. Likewise, Congress should altogether withdraw Cha-Cha. For its part, the public should vote only for candidates who will follow the example of Cory’s leadership,” Ejercito said.

By doing so, Malacanang could help the Filipino people to “turn their grief into a collective action to reform and build a better country” for the next generation, according to Ejercito.

“Our country needs honest leaders and good governance. There are more capable leaders who do not seek glory or power, but find satisfaction in serving the people. Why not leave gracefully after their term and pass the positions on to those fitting for the job? It would be a good way to honor Mrs. Aquino,” he added.