Robin Padilla: Let’s support people’s initiative for Cha-cha

Sen. Robinhood Padilla (Bibo Nueva España/Senate PRIB)

MANILA, Philippines — Senator Robin Padilla on Wednesday called on the public to support the people’s initiative (PI) being pushed to amend the 1987 Constitution.

“The time is ripe to amend the 1987 Constitution—including through a people’s initiative—so long as this is truly from the people,” Padilla said in a statement.

As chairman of the Senate committee constitutional amendments and revision of codes, the senator led a Charter change (Cha-cha) push in the upper chamber through a constituent assembly.

The move did not prosper in the Senate.

However, Cha-cha talks have been revived following the reported move to have the amendments through the PI.

“People’s initiative: the voice of the people is the voice of God. We must discuss people’s initiative thoroughly. Such a power of the people should not be twisted by some politicians to suit their ambition,” Padilla said in Filipino.

“Only the people can bring about true changes in the system, for the betterment of our country. Let us give our support to the people’s initiative,” he added.

Padilla believes though Congress should first resolve how they should vote on proposed amendments to the Constitution.

If  it is a joint voting, he said, the 24 senators “would be rendered irrelevant by 300-plus” members of the  House of Representatives.

“Now is the time to resolve the remaining question in our Constitution regarding amendments to the Charter. Only the people can decide,” the senator said.