Palace dispels ‘no-el’ fears amid economic Cha-cha push

A MALACAÑANG official allayed fears of having a “no-election” scenario in 2016 as the bill pushing to amend the Constitution moved a step closer from being passed in the House of Representatives.

Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr.: Let’s wait for the final version. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

In an interview aired over dzRB radio, Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said that allegations that the bill proposing an amendment to the Constitution’s economic provisions are unfounded.

“Ang batid po natin ay hinggil sa mga probisyong pangkabuhayan ang isinusulong na pagbabago sa Saligang-Batas at ito po ang inaksyunan na sa Camara de Representantes, at hindi naman po diyan kasali ‘yung mga political issues, kaya’t sa tingin po natin ay walang batayan ang mga dudang naipahayag hinggil sa umano’y ‘no election’ scenario (We are aware that the amendment being pushed in the House of Representatives pertains solely on the Constitution’s economic provisions and not on political issues so we think that fears regarding a ‘no election’ scenario have no basis),” Coloma said.

Kabataan Rep. Terry Ridon earlier raised his concern that Resolution of Both Houses 1, introduced by Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr., will lead to a no election scenario in 2016.

“Coupled with the Commission on Elections difficulty in preparing for the automated elections, the passage of the Charter change resolution adds to fears that the Aquino administration is actually preparing for a ‘no-el’ situation,” Ridon said in a statement.

The resolution seeks to insert the phrase “unless otherwise specified by law” in various provisions under Article XII (National Patrimony and Economy), Article XIV (Education, Science and Technology, Arts, Culture, and Sports), and Article XVI (General Provisions) of the 1987 Constitution.

By inserting the phrase, Congress can introduce economic bills through a legislation approved by both chambers of Congress and through a plebiscite.

Authors of the bill said that amending the Constitution is essential so that the country can “realize the full benefit of inclusive growth.”

The resolution was passed in second reading last May 27.

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