Done deal? Zubiri says House OK to adopt Senate version of Cha-cha

Senate President Juan Miguel “Migz” F. Zubiri Senate PRIB file photo / Bibo Nueva España

MANILA, Philippines — The agreement to adopt the Senate’s version of Charter change  (Cha-cha) was sealed in front of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos.

Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri said this on Wednesday as he stands firm that amendments to the 1987 Constitution should be tackled separately by the Senate and the House of Representatives.

“We do not need to convene together with the House to tackle these proposed amendments. We will conduct our own hearings, and pass the final version of the resolution at the Senate,” Zubiri said in a message to reporters.

The resolution he mentioned contains proposed changes to specific economic provisions of the Constitution. It was co-authored by Senate President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda and Senator Sonny Angara.

“The agreement made in Malacañang is that the House (will) adopt the Senate version,” the Senate chief went on.

Zubiri and House Speaker Martin Romualdez were among those who met with the President in Malacañang on January 11 to discuss the fresh bid for Cha-cha.

Asked if there was a categorical approval from the House to adopt the Senate version. Zubiri answered in the affirmative.

“The Speaker agreed and we shook hands on it in front of the President. So we shall see,” he said.

INQUIRER.net is still trying to get separate confirmation from the Speaker.