Cha-cha train will get derailed, Drilon warns

The House of Representatives’ Charter change (Cha-cha) train would get derailed even before it leaves the station, Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon warned on Friday.

Drilon’s statement came after House leaders insisted that nothing would stop the “Cha-cha express train” even without senators onboard.

Last Tuesday, the House adopted Concurrent Resolution No. 9, which seeks to convene Congress into a Constituent assembly (Con-ass) to amend the Charter.

READ: Cha-cha hits snag; SC ruling needed

The lower chamber is also pushing for a joint voting of the Congress, which the Senate is strongly opposing.

“The House Cha-cha train will get derailed even before it leaves the station—the Filipino people will see the real plan in federalism: suspend elections, extend the terms of  members of Congress, and do away with the check and balance system by abolishing the Senate,” Drilon said in a statement.

When asked about House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez’ statement urging the public not to vote for senators who do not support federalism, the Minority Leader said: “The issue at this point is the brazen move of the House to impose and railroad Cha-cha without public debate and participation.”

“But having said that, the senators are willing to face the people on their stand on federalism,” he added.

Lawmakers have yet to decide on whether the proposed Constitutional amendment should be through a Constitutional convention (Con-con), where changes would be proposed by representatives elected by the people, or through a Con-ass to be composed of sitting legislators.

After agreeing on the mode of Cha-cha and consequently proposing amendments, a referendum by the Filipino people would be held to approve these changes. /jpv