The committee on Constitutional amendments at the House of Representatives on Tuesday decided to conduct public consultations on Charter change (Cha-cha) as its members failed to concur on whether to push through with amending the 1987 Constitution.
Panel chair Rep. Victor Ortega, during the hearing this afternoon, said representatives from various sectors, including the Integrated Bar of
the Philippines (IBP), will be invited for the public consultations to be held on November 25.
He also urged other congressmen to invite whomever they deem necessary for the public forum so the House panel can thresh out the different arguments on the controversial issue.
Several congressmen, during the hearing, presented the results of their informal consultations with their constituents when they had a month-long recess, with majority saying their people favor Charter change.
Cebu Rep. Pablo Garcia said, "there is really no serious need for consultations on whether we need Charter Change or not. The need for change in the Constitution is obvious."
"As of now, the vote to amend the Constitution does not depend on the people. It is with us, and we represent the people... It is a question of political will on the part of the House and on the part of the Senate," he said.
On the other hand, 4th District Nueva Ecija Rep. Rodolfo Antonino said the House panel must first identify provisions in the Constitution that may be changed or amended before asking the public to decide whether they favor Charter change.
"I believe the need for change has already been established... I think it's more effective for us to come up with a manner by which to effect Cha-cha, but at the same time mitigate the suspicions (that it will be used to extend terms)," he said.
For his part, opposition lawmakers such as Paranaque Rep. Roilo Golez maintained that public consultations must be exhausted before the House panel can decide on whether to push through with Charter Change. - PNA
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