MANILA – Allies of Philippine president Gloria Macapagal Arroyo have dropped plans to amend the constitution ahead of presidential elections next year, and the polls will go ahead as scheduled, officials and analysts said yesterday.
Manila had been rife with talk in recent months that the administration would pursue the plan to help Mrs Arroyo and senior elected officials circumvent constitutionally-set term limits and remain in office.
But there has been strong opposition from her political enemies and from the powerful Catholic Church, leading to worries of divisiveness and possible unrest if the government stuck to its guns.
Economists have warned that any possibility of unrest in the country would be hugely detrimental for financial markets and for prospective foreign investment.
Elections are due in May next year. Mrs Arroyo will not be eligible under laws that prohibit more than a single six-year elected term for the president. – (Reuters)