PHILIPPINES: PRESIDENT RAMOS ATTEMPT TO END CONSTITUTIONAL CRISIS

Описание: (9 Sep 1997) Natural Sound

Philippines President Fidel Ramos used a nationwide broadcast on Monday to try and defuse tensions over plans to amend the constitution.

The country's financial markets declined sharply after reports that Ramos was looking to extend his term in office.

The President denied the allegations and said he would not be declaring martial law to keep his grip on power.

Philippines stocks plummeted on Monday after reports that President Ramos was seeking to extend his term in office.

Any extension would require changes to the country's constitution - a move that would be unpopular in the business sector.

Last week, four leading businessmen issued a statement condemning any moves for change.

But the President carried on state affairs as usual, welcoming Bangladesh's Prime Minister, Sheikh Hasina,on her arrival for a three-day visit to the Philippines.

Hasina's visit is aimed at bolstering trade between the two countries. She is the fourth Bangladeshi head of government to visit the Philippines since diplomatic ties were established in 1972.

The President appeared relaxed having already addressed the nation both on television and radio earlier in the day.

His speech aimed to stop all speculations over his intentions to stay in power.

SOUNDBITE: (English)
"That we are seeking to proclaim martial law, that we are veering towards dictatorship, these are blatant lies, falsehoods and fabrications. As President, I categorically and emphatically deny these responsible accusations. I also categorically declare that our country will definitely have national and local elections in May, 1998 as scheduled. Likewise, I am against term extension. I have no intention whatsoever to proclaim martial law and will not proclaim martial law."
SUPERCAPTION: President Fidel V. Ramos of the Philippines

But Ramos' statement earlier in the day failed to halt the protest actions.

The Catholic Church, which represents 84 percent of the people, also voiced their concerns over moves to amend the charter.

In a circular released over the weekend, Catholic Archbishop Cardinal Jaime Sin urged the people to be vigilant to ensure that freedom is not lost.

In the same circular, he called on the people to let their voices be heard by joining in mass action, starting with a noise barrage on Monday at 6:00 pm (local time) and everyday after that until September 21st when the protest will culminate in a rally.

Former President Corazon Aquino, one of the most ardent opponents to the charter change led the noise barrage just outside her home in suburban Makati.

SOUNDBITE: (English)
" We are against charter change at this time. And in the President's statement, I don't think it was mentioned that there will be no charter change at all. So we want to ensure that specifically there will be no lifting of term limits for elected officials. And we want to continue with this."
SUPER CAPTION: Corazon Aquino, Former Philippines President

September 21 will mark the 25th anniversary of the imposition of martial law by the late dictator former President Ferdinand Marcos.

The church and other opponents to charter change say they will not call off their planned mass protest scheduled for that day.

They want to dramatize their call to keep democracy on the anniversary of the time that the country lost it 25 years ago.

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