MANILA, Philippines -- Dismissing protests against Charter change, Speaker Prospero Nograles said it would be the vote of the lawmakers that would count on the issue of Charter change.

Nograles issued the statement a day before religious groups, militant organizations, business groups, and political parties were to gather in Makati City for a protest rally against moves to amend the 1987 Constitution.

"Only members of Congress can vote on these measures and they may possibly be influenced by the public outcry. But the demonstrations on the streets and its leaders cannot vote for or against Cha-cha [Charter change]. It's the vote of congressmen and senators that will count. Not the streets," Nograles said in a text message.

He said that there was the same outcry from the public against the expanded value added tax when Congress was deliberating on it, but added that lawmakers still passed the measure.

Nograles said that like any other legislative measure in the House of Representatives, bills and resolutions on Charter change would still go through the process.

The committee hearings and floor debates will provide a venue for the people to participate and air their views on the issue.

Nograles is author of a resolution seeking to amend the economic provisions of the Constitution.