Opposition Sen. Chiz Escudero said yesterday all the Palace has to do is to publicly order its allies in the House not to convene the constituent assembly (Con Ass) during President Arroyo’s State of the Nation Address (SONA) to erase any suspicions that it has sinister plans on that day.

“Unless there is a public declaration by the President herself, addressed to her party-mates in the House, the suspicions about this administration’s dark intentions will remain in the minds of the people,” he said.

“As president of the biggest coalition in the House, Lakas-Kampi, she can make the order.”

Escudero also said the Speaker’s declaration that he has placed charter change on top of the legislative agenda only serves to fuel speculation that the administration is bent on pushing through with its plans.

He also reiterated his opposition to any changes in the constitution during Arroyo’s term and vowed to block such moves in the Senate where he heads the Committee on Constitutional Amendments and Revision of Codes and Laws.

Escudero said he has decided not to attend the SONA but will be present at the opening of the Senate session.

“I don’t want to be there just in case her allies cheer for an encore and ask for more of GMA,” he said.

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