Robin Padilla plans to bring Cha-cha hearings in 5 areas
Sen. Robinhood C. Padilla expresses dismay over the executive branch members’ absence during Friday’s hybrid hearing of the Committee on Constitutional Amendments and Revision of Codes, September 2, 2022, on the proposals to revisit the 1987 Constitution. (Voltaire F. Domingo/Senate PRIB)
MANILA, Philippines — Senator Robin Padilla on Friday identified five areas where he plans to conduct the hearings on Charter change — Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), Cebu, Davao, Cagayan de Oro, and General Santos City.
“Nasa Constitution na dalawa ang pwedeng bigyan ng autonomy: ang CAR at ang BARMM (Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao). ‘Yung BARMM successful na sila sa autonomy. ‘Yung CAR medyo malungkot pa sila kaya gusto namin doon dalhin,” he said in an interview at the Senate.
(It’s in the Constitution that two regions may be given autonomy: CAR and BARMM. BARMM was successful with its autonomy. However, CAR is somehow dissatisfied, so we want to bring the hearings there.)
“Pagkatapos nu’n, pupuntahan namin ‘yung Cebu. Masyado na ring mainit ang ulo ni Governor Gwen [Garcia] dahil lagi siyang pinakikialaman sa kanyang mga desisyon,” Padilla added.
(After that, we will go to Cebu. Governor Gwen is hot-headed because the national government meddles with her decisions.)
To recall, the national government questioned Garcia’s order to lift the face mask mandate in public spaces. She then called on former Interior Secretary Eduardo Año to respect local autonomy.
Aside from CAR and Cebu, Padilla said that Davao, Cagayan de Oro, and General Santos are likewise ready for autonomy.
Padilla pointed out that bringing deliberations to provinces would help the public better understand the charter change issue.
OFW participation
Further, according to Padilla, overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) will have the chance to express their opinions on the issue.
“Tayo’y sumumpa sa Constitution. Ang lahat ay may boses. So kailangan ang una nating pakinggan ang gumawa ng 1987 Constitution, kung anong palagay nila. ‘Yun bang kanilang Constitution ay outdated na ba o kailangan na bang baguhin?” the neophyte senator said.
(We vowed before the Constitution. Everyone has a voice. So we have to listen first to the creators of the 1987 Constitution. Is the Constitution outdated, or does it need change?)
“Siyempre kumukuha din tayo ng opinion ng mga pro at higit sa lahat meron tayong opinion ng OFW… Importante ‘yung kanilang opinion,” he continued.
(Of course, we are getting opinions from pro (Charter change) and OFWs. Their opinions are important.)
During the hearings on charter change, resource persons from both favoring and opposing sides were invited.
