THE SPECTER of charter change loomed today when pro-administration Senator-elect Franklin Drilon proposed amendments to the Constitution that would extend the terms of public officials.

Drilon said he would ask for the creation of a constitutional convention that will review the provisions of the 1987 charter to make it "more responsive to the times."

For example, Drilon proposed extending each three-year term of local officials to four years to give them enough time to implement their projects.

Drilon said he would also push for the election of senators by region to make it more representative of the people. Only 5 senators holding office today come from the Visayas and Mindanao.

But the two-term senator said the six years given to the President and Vice President should be retained.

Drilon added he would call for a reexamination of the multi-party system. He said a two-party system like that of the United States would be better for the country.

To economize, Drilon proposed that a member of the Constitutional Convention be elected simultaneous with the May 2002 barangay elections. It will be composed of one elected delegate per congressional district. Party list groups may also field in candidates.

Drilon’s proposal is expected to meet opposition from civil society groups who rejected similar moves under the Ramos and Estrada administrations.