Lawmaker sees House okay of con-ass for federal charter

House of Representatives. INQUIRER.NET FILE

A lawmaker expressed confidence that the resolution seeking a constitutional assembly (con-ass) to discuss the draft federal charter that could replace the 1987 Constitution would be approved by the House of Representatives’ plenary as early as January next year.

Southern Leyte Rep. Roger Mercado, chair of the House constitutional amendments committee, said chances were high that the resolution directing both chambers of the Congress to convene as an assembly would get the approval of the House.

The draft federal constitution is also due for submission this December to the House committee on rules chaired by Majority Leader Rodolfo Fariñas Sr.

“I am confident House Concurrent Resolution (HRC) No. 9 can be expedited and be ready by or before January 2018. HCR No. 9 already has a committee report that consolidated several measures,” Mercado said in a statement on Monday.

“The House is therefore able to back up Speaker Pantaleon ‘Bebot’ Alvarez when he meets Senate President Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel, III,” Mercado said.

“We have support from our colleagues in the House to get their approval on HCR No. 9 in the near-term and on the proposed amendments when Congress is convened as a constituent assembly,” Mercado added.

According to the draft charter, the Federal Philippines will be divided into 18 regions, where each region will be governed by a regional governor and will have a regional assembly. /cbb