Acorda: PNP can’t interfere with people’s initiative for Charter change

The Philippine National Police (PNP) cannot interfere with the people’s initiative to amend the 1987 Constitution as long as there is no proof that it violated laws, its chief General Benjamin Acorda says in a Palace briefing on Tuesday, February 6, 2024. (File photo by LYN RILLON / Philippine Daily Inquirer)

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) cannot interfere with the people’s initiative to amend the 1987 Constitution unless proven it violated laws.

PNP Chief General Benjamin Acorda said Tuesday that the people’s initiative is one of three legal ways to change the Charter, with the two others being the constituent assembly and constitutional convention.

“Well, if you go to the Constitution, there’s nothing illegal about the people’s initiative,” he said during a Palace briefing.

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“As long as there is no coercion, bribery or anything that is tantamount to violation of the law or the intent of the Constitution, the PNP cannot come in as part of upholding the rule of law and, of course, protecting the Constitution,” he added.

The People’s Initiative for Modernization and Reform Action (PIRMA) launched a signature campaign to support its petition for Charter change. This initiative has been marred with controversies including bribery or the giving of money or promising of cash aid in exchange for people’s signatures.

Acorda, however, said they still need proof of a law breach in this people’s initiative.

“That (bribery) can be interpreted as a violation. But, of course, we need evidence; we need sworn statements and other things to support such allegations,” he pointed out.

Rodrigo Duterte, who advocated heavily for Charter change during his time as president, slammed the ongoing people’s initiative to mend the 1987 Constitution.

He urged the PNP and the Armed Forces of the Philippines to protect the people and the country’s principal law amid moved to revise it.

While Marcos has agreed that revisions to the economic provisions of the Constitution should be made, he said that doing so via the people’s initiative has become divisive.

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Marcos has asked Congress leaders to find simpler solutions for economic Charter change.