Zubiri: Holding Cha-cha plebiscite with 2025 elections to save P13-B

MANILA, Philippines — Echoing the Commission on Elections (Comelec) pronouncement, Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri said the Philippine government would save at least P13 billion if the Charter change (Cha-cha) plebiscite and the 2025 midterm polls are conducted simultaneously.

Zubiri on Wednesday pointed out that the whopping P13 billion could potentially fund the construction of around 5,200 classrooms and alternatively fund programs aimed at improving the lives of Filipinos.

“This strategic move not only streamlines our electoral processes but also saves valuable resources. P13 billion is a significant amount that could be allocated towards critical infrastructure projects and social programs that will benefit our nation,” said Zubiri in a statement.

He then noted that with limited resources, it is best for the government to “maximize every peso spent” to address the needs of Filipinos.

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. himself earlier expressed his desire for both proceedings to be conducted at the same time, pointing out that not doing so would be too expensive.

Following Marcos’ remarks, Comelec said it can handle the 2025 midterm elections and the plebiscite for the proposed amendments to the 1987 Constitution simultaneously.

However, the commission earlier said that the earliest possible year for a plebiscite would be 2026.

READ: SC says plebiscite can be held alongside an election – Angara 

Cha-cha deliberations began in the Senate on February 5 in line with the President’s directive.

Marcos said there is a need to amend specific economic provisions of the 1987 Constitution in order to allow more foreign direct investments in the Philippines.