Suarez says Alvarez opposing Cha-cha ‘hypocritical’

Charter change (Cha-cha) mover People’s Initiative for Reform Modernization and Action (Pirma) denies allegations of buying the signatures it’s been gathering for constitutional reform. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — Newly-elected Deputy Speaker David Suarez has called former speaker and current Davao del Norte 1st District Rep. Pantaleon Alvarez’ opposition to charter change proposals hypocritical because the latter supported constitutional amendment moves during the past administration.

In a statement on Tuesday, Suarez also said that Alvarez’ recent statements contradict his prior support for Resolution of Both Houses (RBH) No. 6 — a resolution approved by the House last March 2023, calling for a constitutional convention to amend the 1987 Constitution.

Alvarez voted in favor of the said resolution.

“This underscores the inconsistency in former Speaker Alvarez’s current stance on constitutional reforms, considering his prior support for RBH 6 last year,” Suarez, who represents Quezon province’s 2nd District, said .

“It’s baffling that someone who vigorously pushed for constitutional reforms in the past is now attempting to cast doubt on the very process he once championed. This raises serious questions about the credibility and sincerity of his current objections,” he added.

Alvarez, a long time ally of former president Rodrigo Duterte, was speaker for the first and second regular sessions of the 17th Congress. During that time, Alvarez pushed for charter change — saying in a January 2018 interview that the House can convene as a constituent assembly (Con-ass) even without the participation of senators.

READ: Alvarez: Con-ass to push through even without senators 

INQUIRER.net has asked Alvarez’ staffers for his side of the story, but they have not replied as of posting time.

Suarez’ statements came after Alvarez said in an interview with ABS-CBN News Channel that it is Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez who is leading the push for a People’s Initiative — a signature campaign among registered voters to amend the 1987 Constitution’s economic provisions.

Alvarez also questioned the motives behind the charter change push, saying that it might be because some individuals aspire for higher posts but cannot even get high rankings in surveys.

But Suarez said the former speaker’s allegation disregards the truth, as Alvarez has not presented any evidence that would link Romualdez to the People’s Initiative.

“Former Speaker Alvarez’s allegations are not just unfounded; they reek of desperation and a disregard for the truth. Accusing Speaker Romualdez of orchestrating the ‘People’s Initiative’ without a shred of concrete evidence is not only irresponsible but also a clear attempt to destabilize our legislative proceedings,” Suarez said.

Suarez said the focus of lawmakers should be to uplift the lives of people and consider constitutional amendments, and not spread lies.

“It’s regrettable that instead of contributing constructively to the ongoing constitutional discussions, former Speaker Alvarez has chosen to indulge in baseless mudslinging. Our priority should be the well-being of our constituents, not engaging in petty political theatrics,” he said.

“The suggested changes aim to meet the changing needs of our nation. Our dedication to progress propels the push for constitutional change, centered on shared goals for the benefit of the Filipino people,” he added.

Last December, House leaders Speaker Romualdez and Senior Deputy Speaker Aurelio Gonzales Jr., resurfaced proposals for a charter change to amend the 1987 Constitution’s restrictive economic provisions, as a way of letting more foreign investments in.

READ: Romualdez mulling revisiting Cha-cha for economic provision amendments 

However, the two floated the possibility of hearing People’s Initiative petitions, as the Senate has not acted on RBH No. 6 for months.

Eventually, Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri and other lawmakers filed RBH No. 6, as a response to the agreement between him and Romualdez regarding charter change.

However, earlier, Senate Majority Leader Joel Villanueva said many of the Senators are no longer interested with RBH No. 6 because the House supposedly is behind the People’s Initiative.

Romualdez however clarified that the House is not endorsing or sanctioning lawmakers’ participation in the People’s Initiative.