PI bid to amend Charter a way to dissolve Senate – Villanueva

MANILA, Philippines — The supposed signature campaign for people’s initiative to amend the Constitution is a blatant move to dismantle the Senate, said Senate Majority Leader Joel Villanueva.

In a video statement on Monday, Villanueva warned the public against the scheme, urging Filipinos to report such an initiative if it reaches them immediately.

“Tungkulin ko po bilang inyong empleyado sa Senado na magbigay impormasyon tungkol sa tahasan at malawakang pagpapapirma para buwagin ang Senado, tanggalin ang check and balance gayundin ang term limits ng mga politiko,” said Villanueva.

(It is my duty as your employee in the Senate to provide information about the outright and widespread signing to dissolve the Senate and remove the checks and balances and the term limits of politicians.)

While he acknowledged the rights of Filipinos to have the Constitution they deserve, Villanueva emphasized that “our countrymen shouldn’t be bought, bribed, and abused.”

“Importante po na ang tao ay mulat at nabibigyan ng tamang impormasyon. Hindi po pwede na bibigyan kayo ng ayuda o salapi para lamang pumirma,” said the senator.

(It is important that people are aware and are given the correct information. It is not suitable to be bribed in exchange for a signature.)

The majority leader then told all of those who have been “fooled” to report such sketchy initiatives. Villanueva said it is important for those victimized to expose the people behind these moves.

“[D]on’t be afraid to report. Send or post a video, picture, or screenshot of bribery texts. Please also let us know your name, address, and contact details so that we can help you protect and defend your rights,” he said.

Earlier, the senator noted that this push for Charter change wouldn’t solve the country’s perennial problems.

With President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s directive and go signal, the Senate, which was once cold regarding Cha-cha talks, will lead the amendment of the 1987 Constitution.

However, Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri pointed out that the amendments will only focus on the Constitution’s specific economic provisions, specifically the Public Services Act, education, and advertising.