Opposition lawmakers Thursday warned colleagues from the administration against pursuing their bid to amend the Constitution via Constituent Assembly, saying the thousands who showed up for the funeral procession of late President Corazon Aquino could gather anew to oust the administration if provoked.

Reps. Carlos Padilla (Lone District, Nueva Vizcaya) and Teodoro Casino (Part-list, Bayan Muna) said the size of the crowd seen at the funeral procession shows the spirit of people power is alive.

“The massive outpouring of grief for Cory may yet be transformed into anger against the [Arroyo] administration if they insist on Cha-cha,” Casino said in a text message.

“In Cory's death, people power is resurrected, [that should be] a warning to the proponents of Con-Ass. Otherwise, they shall face the people's wrath,” Padilla said.

Asked who would lead a revolt without the former President, he said the people are likely to take the initiative just to prevent Con-ass and Cha-cha.

“[The] people will spontaneously respond to thwart con ass,” Padilla said.

Last Sunday, Malacanang expressed confidence that pro-Charter-change lawmakers would “seriously consider” the call of PDP-Laban Rep. Teodoro Locsin Jr. of Makati for constitutional amendments to be shelved in deference to the late former President Corazon Aquino, who had staunchly defended the 1987 Constitution.

Acting Executive Secretary Gabriel Claudio, who is also presidential political adviser, said in a radio interview, “Representative Locsin’s call is valid. This is probably based on the statements of President Cory. We respect that call and I’m confident that the members of Congress and all others concerned will consider that call seriously and in the context of the departure of President Cory, as well as in the best interest of our country,” Claudio said.

Senators joined calls for House leaders to put off plans to convene a constituent assembly (con-ass) to tinker with the 1987 Constitution which was drafted and ratified during the incumbency of Aquino.

Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel Jr. said the pro-Con-ass congressmen should shelve their Cha-cha efforts not just out of respect for the late president “but in deference to the rule of law.”