Senators shun express mode for changing Constitution
Published Jul 16, 2018 04:51 pm
By Vanne Elaine Terrazola
Senators are rejecting moves to expedite the discussion and approval of the proposed Charter change (Chacha) in Congress, especially after the latest Pulse Asia survey revealed Monday that 67 percent of Filipinos are opposed to changing the 1987 Constitution.
The survey conducted last month showed that of the 67 percent, 37 percent disagreed with changing the Constitution now and any other time while 30 percent do not support its amendment now, but are open Chacha in the future. Only 18 percent favor Chacha now.
Senator Ralph Recto (JOHN JEROME GANZON / MANILA BULLETIN FILE PHOTO)
Senate President Pro Tempore Ralph Recto joined the opposition to amend the Constitution.
" Haven’t read it but am one of those against it. Count me as part of the 67 percent," Recto said in a text message.
Senator Grace Poe, for her part, said the poll showed that there is "no palpable popular clamor" for a new Constitution.
She, instead, called for a "thorough study" of the Consultative Committee's (ConCom) draft federal constitution, as she vowed to prevent an "express" Chacha from being approved in Congress.
"A document as important as the basic law should be rigorously studied, and not railroaded. I will block any Cha-cha express, especially one driven by people with expiring terms and fuelled by selfish interest," Poe said.
Besides, she said that Chacha is not guaranteed to be a "magical cure-all" to the country’s woes and the public is more concerned to more pressing problems such as the rising prices of food, poor infrastructure, and the lack of jobs.
Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri, meanwhile, reiterated his appeal not to rush discussions on the proposed changes to the 1987 Constitution.
"Charter change does not have to be rushed. Chacha could happen in the next half, within the term of the President still and then we can have the plebiscite in 2022 or we can have the plebiscite even earlier,” Zubiri said in an interview on ANC Monday.
The ConCom turned over to Senate President Vicente Sotto III last week the draft constitution for the government's planned transition to a federal system. Sotto earlier said they would still have to wait for the official transmittal of the proposed charter from President Duterte.
Sotto, asked to comment on the Pulse Asia survey, said he would rather ask his colleagues on the matter that be swayed by the figures.
"The Senate was created to be independent, impartial and fair but courageous. We are supposed to withstand Presidential power and the waves of public opinion!" he told reporters in a text message.
Senators are set to meet at the resumption of the Congress to discuss concerns on Chacha.
Senator Ralph Recto (JOHN JEROME GANZON / MANILA BULLETIN FILE PHOTO)
Senate President Pro Tempore Ralph Recto joined the opposition to amend the Constitution.
" Haven’t read it but am one of those against it. Count me as part of the 67 percent," Recto said in a text message.
Senator Grace Poe, for her part, said the poll showed that there is "no palpable popular clamor" for a new Constitution.
She, instead, called for a "thorough study" of the Consultative Committee's (ConCom) draft federal constitution, as she vowed to prevent an "express" Chacha from being approved in Congress.
"A document as important as the basic law should be rigorously studied, and not railroaded. I will block any Cha-cha express, especially one driven by people with expiring terms and fuelled by selfish interest," Poe said.
Besides, she said that Chacha is not guaranteed to be a "magical cure-all" to the country’s woes and the public is more concerned to more pressing problems such as the rising prices of food, poor infrastructure, and the lack of jobs.
Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri, meanwhile, reiterated his appeal not to rush discussions on the proposed changes to the 1987 Constitution.
"Charter change does not have to be rushed. Chacha could happen in the next half, within the term of the President still and then we can have the plebiscite in 2022 or we can have the plebiscite even earlier,” Zubiri said in an interview on ANC Monday.
The ConCom turned over to Senate President Vicente Sotto III last week the draft constitution for the government's planned transition to a federal system. Sotto earlier said they would still have to wait for the official transmittal of the proposed charter from President Duterte.
Sotto, asked to comment on the Pulse Asia survey, said he would rather ask his colleagues on the matter that be swayed by the figures.
"The Senate was created to be independent, impartial and fair but courageous. We are supposed to withstand Presidential power and the waves of public opinion!" he told reporters in a text message.
Senators are set to meet at the resumption of the Congress to discuss concerns on Chacha.