People’s Initiative now completely dead, says election expert Macalintal

Veteran election lawyer Romulo Macalintal. (File photo by Otso Diretso)

MANILA, Philippines–The controversial people’s initiative (PI) is now completely dead and not capable of resurrection, an election lawyer said Thursday.

Atty. Romulo Macalintal said proponents of the PI should start from step one, which is gathering of signature since the signatures collected in the recent PI campaign “have no useful purpose.”

“These signature sheets have no useful purpose in case another initiative is initiated.  They cannot be the basis of another proposition to amend the constitution since new rules will already govern future initiatives,” Macalintal said in a statemet.

He said: “The petitioners of this initiative should be guided by these new rules before they can move for another initiative. If they want to propose the same amendment, they have to start all over again based on the said new guidelines.”

Last Jan. 29, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) suspended the proceedings for PI citing the need to review and amend its rules regarding the initiative.

READ: Comelec suspends proceedings for people’s initiative to amend Charter

Garcia is referring to Comelec Resolution 10650, the rule governing the conduct of people’s initiative, promulgated on Jan. 31, 2020.

Macalintal said “anyone who might venture to revive it has to wait for the new rules and regulations to be issued by the Comelec.”

However, he said the new Comelec rule on initiative might take time as the election body is now preparing for the forthcoming resumption of the continuing registration of voters this February, which will last until September 30.

After Sept. 30, the Comelec will begin its preparation for the 2025 mid-term elections and the early filing of certificates of candidacy.

“Thus, any effort to amend the constitution through initiative has to wait until the 2025 national and local elections are held,” he added.

Macalintal previously urged the Comelec to stop receiving signature sheets supporting PI, calling it a waste of time and paper.

READ: Lawyer to Comelec: Stop receiving signature sheets, they’ve no value