Story 1 radio format

(VO Karen)
The House of Representatives last night removed a major obstacle to planned Constitutional amendments.
In a marathon session, congressmen loyal to President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo voted 164-25 to change the rules to allow them to proceed with Charter change even without the participation of the Senate.
Their stated goal is to shift to a parliamentary form of government with a prime minister at the helm.
In reaction, senators crossed party lines and immediately vowed to challenge the move before the Supreme Court.
According to pro-administration Senator Richard Gordon...
(play taped audio interview)
"I think the whole nation is chagrined at the brazenness in the manner that they try to railroad and cheat their own rules."
"If they really want to amend the constitution, if they really respect the constitution, they should allow for adequate discussion."
(VO Karen)
President Arroyo says she wants to switch to a parliamentary form of government to speed up policy-making and facilitate stronger economic growth.
This plan is opposed by leaders of the church, business, civil society, and the academe like UP political science professor Benito Lim who is wary lawmakers’ motives...
(play taped interview)
"It is a desperate attempt on the part of congressmen for they already anticipate that they do not have a chance of winning in next year's elections."
(VO Karen)
Administration lawmakers are unfazed, however, with House Speaker Jose de Venecia expressing his confidence this morning that Congress would be convened into a Constituent Assembly to amend the Constitution by next week.
This is Karen Lema reporting...
(END)