There will be no shortening of her term.

Malacañang yesterday clarified that the moves to amend the 1987 Constitution is not about the term of the President but "about far ranging ideals on the structure of our Republic and its political institutions."

This was the response of Press Secretary Ignacio Bunye to a reported statement by former President Fidel V. Ramos, a close political ally, about President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's term being shortened if the Charter change materializes.

Bunye, who is the Presidential Spokesman, said talks about reducing the term of President Arroyo are premature since discussions on Charter change include revisions in the structure of government.

Bunye said it is understood that the President will serve her term until 2010 unless the 1987 Constitution is amended and the transitory provisions of the new Charter provide otherwise, to suit the expected shift from the present presidential system to a parliamentary-federal form of government.

What is important now, he said, is to start the process by convening a Constituent Assembly or electing a Constitutional Convention.

The Press Secretary assured that the President will follow the people's decision when the time comes, after they ratify a new Constitution, but did not say if this is the stand of the president herself.*

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