Pangilinan replaces Padilla as constitutional amendments chairperson

Metro Manila, Philippines - Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan has replaced Senator Robin Padilla as chairman of the committee tasked with tackling proposed changes to the Constitution.

Deputy Majority Leader JV Ejercito announced Pangilinan’s election as chairman of the committee on constitutional amendments and revision of codes during the Senate plenary session on Tuesday, Aug. 12.

Padilla held the chairmanship for the past three years under the 19th Congress, leading several hearings on charter change. He now serves as vice chairman, along with Senators Alan Peter Cayetano, Rodante Marcoleta, and Ejercito.

The committee members are Pia Cayetano, Bato dela Rosa, Win Gatchalian, Lito Lapid, Imee Marcos, Loren Legarda, Ping Lacson, and Migz Zubiri. Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada, Majority Leader Joel Villanueva, and Minority Leader Tito Sotto are ex-officio members.

Villanueva earlier told reporters that Padilla himself acknowledged it would be better for a lawyer to head the panel given the “intricacies” of the role. He confirmed Padilla is being considered to lead the committee on ethics and privileges, a post yet to be announced. Villanueva is himself a possible candidate for the role.

Pangilinan chaired the constitutional amendments panel in his past three Senate terms, most recently in the 18th Congress. He vowed to uphold democracy and ensure a consultative and transparent process for any proposed constitutional changes.

“The Constitution belongs to the people, and any move to change it must be anchored on their aspirations and welfare. It must also undergo a thorough, principled, and participatory process,” Pangilinan said in a statement.

Pangilinan also chairs the committee on agriculture. He has explained that his decision to join the majority bloc - despite his alliance with opposition Senator Risa Hontiveros - was to push for his advocacies.

Meanwhile, Villanueva said at least one senator listed charter change among his priority measures during the all-members caucus, but added he personally believed that it would raise questions about term extension ahead of the 2028 presidential elections.