MANILA - President Fidel Ramos of the Philippines faced a political firestorm yesterday after a senior aide revealed plans to amend the constitution so he could remain in power into the 21st century.
In a rare show of unity, opposition politicians, church representatives, left-wing groups and businessmen attacked the move, while a former president, Ms Corazon Aquino, who helped lead a popular revolt that ousted Ferdinand Marcos in 1986, vowed to lead street protests if needed.
Mr Ramos, who is 69 next month, has repeatedly pledged to step down when his tenure ends in June 1998.