Defensor: ‘Very divisive’ Cha-cha to cause problem in House

MANILA, Philippines — The proposal to amend the 1987 Constitution, even if only for its economic provisions, could bring problem in the House of Representatives as it will cause division among lawmakers.

Anakalusugan party-list Rep. Mike Defensor on Monday said Charter change (Cha-cha) is a “very divisive” issue and it is not the proper time to discuss it considering that the country is still grappling with the coronavirus pandemic.

Anakalusugan Rep. Mike Defensor. PHOTO FROM DEFENSOR’S FACEBOOK ACCOUNT

“I’m sure magkakaroon kami ng problema. Maghahati-hati talaga tingin ko dito. Katulad ng binanggit ko dati, umiwas muna tayo sa mga isyu na magkakaroon ng dibisyon sa ating mga kasama sa Kongreso,” he told reporters in an online interview.

(I’m sure we will have a problem here. We will be divided on this issue. Like what I said before, we should stray from divisive issues.)

Aside from the coronavirus pandemic, the country is also facing the economic fallout caused by the public health crisis.

He noted that vaccination and the revival of the economy are among the foremost concerns of the country this year.

“Hindi napapanahon itong Cha-cha. Not so much because of the issue but because of divisiveness that will cause among our people,” Defensor said.

Instead, Congress should focus on the pronouncements of President Rodrigo Duterte during his last State of the Nation Address (SONA).

“For us in Congress, I think we first should concentrate on the SONA pronouncements of the President. Mahigit kumulang mga 20 bills were proposed by the President to be approved and sana doon kami naka-focus, ayusin namin ‘yun,” Defensor said.

(About 20 bills were proposed by the President during the SONA to be approved and I hope we will focus on that.)

The House will resume debates on Cha-cha on January 13. House leaders claimed proposed amendments to the country’s main law will only focus on “restrictive” economic provisions.

KGA