Senate to block ‘bastardization’ of Constitution — Bam Aquino

Senator Bam Aquino. EDWIN BACASAMAS/INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

Senator Paolo Benigno “Bam” Aquino IV stressed the Senate will not allow the “bastardization” of the Constitution in the proposed shift of government into a federal system.

“I doubt that any senator, opposition or administration, will allow a bastardization of the Constitutionally-mandated process,” Aquino said in a statement Tuesday.

He said he made this comment after receiving reports that the joint session for the upcoming State of the Nation Address might be used to hold a constituent assembly to revise the 1987 Constitution.

For Aquino, the planned shift to the federal system is “embarrassing” to the Filipinos who he said are “drowning” from the effects of the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion law.

“Nakakahiya naman sa taumbayan na habang nalulunod sila sa taas presyo ay Cha-cha [Charter change] at no-el [no election] ang pinag-uusapan ng gobyerno,” he said.

(It’s embarrassing that while our countrymen are drowning from high prices on goods, the government is talking about Cha-cha and no-el.)

“Hanapan na lang natin ng solusyon ang tumitinding pagtaas ng presyo, imbis na pilitin ang Cha-cha,” Aquino added.

(Let’s just look for a solution to the increasing prices on goods, instead of forcing Cha-cha.) /je