Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, December 14) — The House of Representatives plans to use both the constituent assembly and people’s initiative to propose amendments to the 1987 Constitution, Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez said Thursday.
At the awarding ceremony for the Seal of Good Local Governance in Manila, Romualdez said using the two modes of Charter change at the same time would fast-track the creation of what he called a “new Constitution for a new Philippines.”The 1987 Constitution provides for three modes of Charter change: a constitutional convention, convening the House and Senate into a constituent assembly, and people’s initiative.Romualdez said the manner in which the Senate and House would vote on proposed amendments in a constituent assembly remains a question.Nevertheless, the Speaker said the House will prioritize Cha-cha in 2024 and sought the help of local government units for the people’s initiative.This (people’s initiative) will be the grassroots approach whereby we will elicit the sentiments of the populace, and that constituent assembly can actually work hand in hand with the people’s initiative, particularly when it comes for the expediency of time and the efficient use of resources,” Romualdez said.I say this because we would like to undertake these twin methods of addressing constitutional amendments, if not revisions therein,” he added.
Romualdez said his cousin, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., also wants the 1987 Constitution to be reviewed.
This is in consonance, actually with our President Ferdinand R. Marcos’ dream as well to look at the Constitution and see what portions can be amended or revised,” he said.
“And even the previous administration had espoused a federal form of government,” Romualdez added. “That is why I think, after three and a half decades, it is about time we give our Constitution a hard look.”
