Drilon: There is emerging consensus in Senate to review, amend Constitution

There is an “emerging consensus” in the Senate to review and amend the 1987 Constitution either through a Constitutional Convention (Con-Con) or Constituent Assembly (Con-Ass), Senate President Franklin Drilon said on Wednesday.

“I think we can see an emerging consensus in the Senate that we need to review our Constitution, amend the Constitution,” Drilon said at the “Kapihan sa Manila Bay” in Malate.

“Whether or not it will be done through Con-Ass or a Con-Con, I have no feel at this point, just that having to review and amend the Constitution is a matter that I think there is a unanimity in the Senate,” he said.

However, as far as the proposed shift to federalism is concerned, Drilon believes that it could only be done through a Con-Con.

“Of course the other option is to let Congress do the Constituent Assembly (Con-Ass). But my reading of the public opinion is that they would prefer a Constitutional Convention where the entire constitution will be reviewed. That’s my reading,” he said.

“Having said that, if indeed it will be a Constitutional Convention, whether we maintain the present system of government or shift to federal system is a matter for the constitutional convention delegates to decide,” he further said.

On the proposed reimposition of the death penalty, Drilon reiterated that he is against it but said he is willing to listen to “both sides of the spectrum.”

“Personally I am against it because basically, I see an imperfect justice system where errors can be committed. When you send an innocent man into the death chamber, that is a mistake that cannot be corrected. That is my position,” he said.

“I am willing to listen because there are very strong proponents on both sides. We will come into a final decision when it goes to the floor for a vote,” the Senate leader added.

The shift to federalism and the reinstatement of the death penalty were among the campaign promises of President-elect Rodrigo Duterte. RAM

READ: Federalism, war on crime top Duterte legislative agenda

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