Pimentel said he received information that the discussion on Charter change during barangay assembly held nationwide last Saturday was the idea of Malacañang.

He said he learned from his informant that Interior and Local Government Secretary Ronaldo Puno met with barangay and other local government officials a few days ago and instructed them to tackle proposed Charter amendments during the barangay assembly, particularly the adoption of a parliamentary system of government with a unicameral parliament.

He said, however, that the barangay officials were told not to touch on the term of President Arroyo during the discussion.

On the Palace’s claim that the barangays are shouldering the cost of the assembly and signature campaign, Pimentel said he was informed by the person present at the meeting that P20 million was initially released for the signature campaign. It was the municipal development officers of the Department of Interior and Local Government who organized and coordinated the barangay assemblies.

"In that meeting, the local government officials were told about the funds for the holding of the barangay assembly and the money had been released," Pimentel said.

Pimentel also took note of the one-page advertisements on Charter Change using the system of people’s initiative which appeared in several broadsheet and tabloid newspapers on March 24.

He said only the government is in a position to bankroll such an expensive promotion campaign on Charter Change.