Sen. Cynthia Villar, during one of the Senate sessions in 2023. Senate PRIB file photo / Voltaire F. Domingo
MANILA, Philippines — Senator Cynthia Villar has turned to the Lord for guidance as Charter change (Cha-cha) talks continue to heat up.
Returning from a month-long holiday break, the Senate on Monday resumed its sessions with Villar leading the opening prayer.
Among the things she prayed for are “discernment and courage” as Congress is set to start discussions on Cha-cha proposals.
“Furthermore, dear Lord, we seek discernment and courage as we deliberate on Charter change initiatives,” she said.
“May our collective action resonate with the true voice of the Filipino people, maintain the integrity of our constitution, and uphold the checks and balances that fortify our democracy.”
Villar also prayed for vigilance in order to protect the country “from the perils of self-interests and deceit.”
“Let not the personal ambitions of a few diminish the collective will and the broader needs of the Filipino people,” said the senator.
“In all that we do, may we act with integrity, compassion and a deep sense of purpose, always mindful of the greater good,” she added.
Even before they resumed session, a resolution was already filed last January 15, seeking to amend certain economic provisions of the 1987 Constitution.
The move was initiated by Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri himself, along with Senate President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda and Senator Sonny Angara, who co-authored the resolution.
Among the latest to throw its support behind the measure was Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa.
He strongly spoke against the Senate and the House of Representatives voting jointly to make any changes to the Constitution.
“E pano kami papayag, mawala na yung bicameralism natin dyan, mawala na yung bicameralism, mawala pa yung checks and balances. Kung ano gusto nila, sila na masusunod. Kahit ayaw namin, overruled kami dahil 24 against 322,” Dela Rosa said in a press briefing at the Senate, referring to the total membership of the two chambers of Congress.
(How can we agree to that if we are not only going to lose our bicameralism but also the checks and balances? They can do what ever they want. Even if we don’t want it, we are overruled because it’s 24 against 322,” Dela Rosa said in a press briefing at the Senate, referring to the total membership of the two chambers of Congress.
“Saan ka makakakita ng checks and balances dyan? Wala na, kung anong gusto ng liderato nila sa House, yun ang masusunod. Ang Senado dekorasyon na lang, wala nang gamit,” he added.
(Where can you find checks and balances there? There’s none. The House leadership will get whatever they want, The Senate is just a decoration now, it’s useless)
The senator later clarified that the issue is not just about the existence of the Senate but the bicameralism and the checks and balances, which are clearly provided in the Constitution.