Last Thursday, I attended a joint meeting of the American Chamber of Commerce (AMCHAM), European Chamber of Commerce (ECCP), Canadian Chamber of Commerce (CANCHAM), and Japan Chamber of Commerce (JCCP).

Their guest of honor is former President Fidel V. Ramos (FVR). It was a jampacked event as the four organizations did not expect a great turnout.

I was told that FVR is actively speaking in various events lately discussing the need for charter change and shift to a parliamentary form of government. Lobbying now is being made by one of the most influential political personalities in the country.

It is my first time to listen to him. I must admit that based on what I heard, he did not disappoint me. His crowd charisma made him truly a charismatic speaker. As usual, he threw away his talking points, ask everyone to shake the hand of the person next to them (which I haven't done and glad that he asked), and other pleasantries. He was able to work out the crowd to have a good mood at the start of his speech.

And then came the main topic, charter change (cha-cha). FVR believes that the presidential system is falling apart like old pair of shoes. Although some segments feel that the country's Constitution is engraved in the system and must not be changed, he feels the other way. "It should mirror the times and as it changes, we should be able to adjust."

FVR is known for campaigning the shift to parliamentary system since his presidential campaign days. He explains that he wants a fairer and representative of all of us, to be anchored in our Constitution. "Charter change is necessary due to the inefficiency and inflexibility of the political system. It is affecting people's daily lives, especially of poor Filipinos. People power, as a result of unsatisfaction, always results to constitutional crisis. It is unfortunate as well that popularity, not intelligence, competence, and experience, are the best points to enter public office today."

He explained some of the merits of the parliamentary government that includes:

- The legislature combines the role of the elective assembly by creating laws and in performing executive decisions.

- The moment the leader lose confidence, they are forced to resign and can be replaced by a vote of no-confidence.

- Sheer popularity in the parliamentary system will not be enough to enter the system. Young people can be given a chance if they are good and proven leaders. They can rise to the top at much less expense.

- The parliamentary system will unify the policy making process.

- The government will be accountable to the people. They shall be subjected to the regular but intense question hour.

As an example, FVR cited that in the Senate, there's only 1 bill passed but 50 independent investigations are happening in aid of legislation.

He believes that the only way to keep people out of poverty is through job generation, efficient government, and all other solutions are band-aid. 30% of GDP should be invested in productive endeavors. Today, the country only invests 19% of GDP compared to neighbors like Vietnam, Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia who are investing more than 25% or up to 1/3 of their GDP. The improvement of the system is important to meet the global challenges and competitiveness demand today.

One participant asked, "Will cha-cha solve our problems?" He answered, "No. But it can help in cleaning our country, deal with changes in government, equitable enforcement of law, establish responsible civil service, and modernize political parties to become efficient channel and representative of public expression."

He encourages forum participants to persuade and compel our leaders to work as a team. "Let us break out our political stalemate in order to break into economic momentum. A democracy can't confined itself as it has room for improvement. It is always in flux and can't be controlled. Democracy is no more than an idea."

FVR has no desire to take part in the political system that he proposes to take place. However, he is not retired from his duties from advocating his beliefs. He had done it before and would consider it a demotion if he would take it again. He challenges Congress to prohibit former presidents from running in a parliamentary office in the future.

He ended, "Be patient and stay with us. Learn how to swim. Do not abandon ship. We will learn how to swin not because we are abandoning but to rescue everybody who jumped before and try to save them. That is our role to our people. When all of this happens, assuming the best case scenario, we will come through as a better country than we ever are."

4 important elements that can make it all work for the country in the future:

1) Strong leadership (not popularity)
2) Good constitution, 
3) People who must be enlightened that at the end of the day that it is about competitiveness, self reliance, and not dole-outs that will get us to the next level.
4) External elements that we don't have control of, that we must always be ready to face.

One participant asked, "Why are you lobbying for change when the presidential system seemed to work well during your time?" FVR replied, "I was successful during my time because we were working like 25 hours a day. However, why give the same hassle to the future generation when we can do something about it?"

I recalled that FVR faced a tough term with our power and water crisis then. As we are all in pain, there's a great spirit then for everyone to work together for the sake of the nation.

Another participant asked, "In the past 12 months, Congress pass 5 laws, and based on Congress' composition and competencies today, how confident are you that they'll be able to review the Constitution, in all sensibility within 6 months, when it took them so long to pass a law?"

FVR remains optimistic as he doesn't see the need to overhaul the entire Constitution but only to focus on 4 issues that need to be amended:

- Form of government (Convert to parliamentary system.)
- Electoral reform (New kind of arithmetic to put in place, to make an honest and credible elections, computerized but simplified procedures in vote handling and proclamation of winners.)
- Political party reform (Serve to eliminate dynastism and turncoatism. Those who change parties should not run for public office for 3 years.)
- Economic prohibitions (To speed up the dispensation of justice, limit economic interventionist of our courts.)

"Those that have qualms about this (especially in the Senate), work out some transitional provisions that will respect their term of office. Better to start with a completely new slate. We must all take the necessary sacrifice," FVR ended.

I must admit that I'm keen for constitutional change way back in 1999. I even said such in a forum as our competitiveness will not be sustainable if we can't catch up with all the incentives other countries are offering such as land ownership, investment in mass media, education, among others.

However, I like to believe that cha-cha can only progress as fast as the administration likes if it will give the same speed of process for the impeachment trial. The more the administration blocks the impeachment process to proceed, the more likely that cha-cha will not happen in PGMA's term. I recall reading a news item last week that House Speaker Joe De Venecia (JDV) belittled the opposition's claim that they are nearing the 79 votes that they need, JDV said that he finds that to be impossible as he had assurance from his allies not to support such moves. It gives an impression that regardless of merit, they are already firm not to support it. I find that sad as it totally conflicts with his earlier statements that he wants the truth to come out and clean PGMA's name.

Most of us Filipinos have no access to our leaders, the best that we can do for now is air our public opinion, at least through blogs. It our children's future that is now hanging in the air with our current state of flux.