SENATE resident Juan Miguel Zubiri yesterday said the sub-committee on Constitutional Amendments and Revision of Codes will conduct three more public hearings next month before it comes out with a committee report so that proposed amendments to the Charter can be tackled in the plenary.
In a chance interview in Camp Aguinaldo, Zubiri said the public hearings will be held in three areas outside of the Senate — in Baguio City, Cebu, and Cagayan de Oro City.
Zubiri said the Senate will hear people’s sentiments on the proposal to introduce amendments to the economic provisions of the 1987 Constitution, which will be limited to public services, education, and advertising,
He noted that a Pulse Asia survey conducted from March on 6 to 10 showed 88 percent of Filipinos are against Charter change (Cha-cha).
“The Pulse Asia survey is very important… We will not only discuss specific amendments but we will ask the people if they really want to have amendments to the Constitution. That is very important,” Zubiri said in Filipino.
Zubiri said introducing amendments to political provisions of the Charter, specifically to extend the terms of office of elected officials as recommended by Presidential Adviser on Poverty Alleviation Secretary Larry Gadon, is definitely out of the discussions.
“We are not having discussions on political provisions because, as I have said, almost nine out of 10 of our countrymen, that’s 88 percent [are against Cha-cha]… That’s only the economic provisions which were asked, so what more if there will be discussions on political amendments? Maybe there will be zero support,” he said.
Zubiri said the Pulse Asia survey is a big challenge in getting a positive people’s vote when Cha-cha is presented to them through a plebiscite.
He earlier said it will also be a big challenge to get at least three-fourths or 18 out of the 24 senators to vote in favor of Cha-cha.
“So, if this not get a majority vote, all our efforts will be wasted. So, I suggest that let’s study carefully, let’s not rush this. This should be rushed because the people need to know what are the benefits from Charter change,” he said.
The House last month approved on third and final reading Resolution of Both Houses No. 7 (RBH No. 7), the measure containing proposed amendments to the “restrictive” economic provisions of the 1987 Constitution.
The measure’s counterpart version at the Senate is Resolution of Both Houses No. 6. Angara last month said deliberations on RBH No. 6 will resume after Congress’ summer break this month.
