Arguing that Con- con is the "most democratic way of amending the Constitution and the least controversial," the groups said convening a Con- con to amend the country’s fundamental law does not also face supreme legal obstacles as those faced by the people’s initiative and the Constituent Assembly .

The NGOs and cause-oriented groups, led by Dr. Cesar S. Cordova Jr. of the Knights of Columbus Council 6183, Cris B. Vitug of Kapisanan ng Malayang Pilipino, former Governor Jose P. Icaonapo Jr. of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) in Metro Manila;, Adolf V. Ortega of the Confederation of Filipino Drug Entrepreneurs (Confide); prominent election lawyer Francisco B. Sibayan, and lawyer-certified public accountant Godofredo V. Arquiza of the One-way Printing Foundation, said Con- con delegates could act with maturity and wisdom because they have the mandate of the people.

"The Con- con could also avail itself of the services of intellectual giants such as former Presidents Corazon C. Aquino and Fidel V. Ramos since they could easily be elected as delegates in their legislative districts," Icaonapo said.

Icaonapo said Charter change proponents should face the reality that if the holding of a people’s initiative is pushed through to amend the Constitution, it could be shot down by the Supreme Court because of its decision in the case of Comelec v. Santiago that "there is still no enabling law to amend the Constitution through a people’s initiative."

In the case of the Constituent Assembly, Sibayan said the Supreme Court could uphold the contention of the senators that the Senate and the House of Representatives must vote separately even when they convene in joint session as a constituent assembly.

"The best alternative to effect Charter change is by a Con-con," said Icaonapo, three-time president of the Philippine Trial Lawyers’ Association.