Charter reviewers to vote Tuesday on proposed form of federal gov’t

The Consultative Committee which was tasked by President Rodrigo Duterte to review the 1987 Constitution, is set to vote Tuesday on the form of federal government to be included in the proposed new Charter.

The committee will deliberate on three options of federal government: the Presidential, Parliamentary and Hybrid or the mixed presidential-parliamentary or semi presidential-parliamentary form.

A nominal voting will be done after the three forms are discussed. Members of the committee will be given time to explain their votes.

The Committee’s en banc session is currently being held at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC), with 18 of its 20 members present.

Retired Chief Justice Reynato Puno chairs the Consultative Committee formed by the President in January.

Former Senate President Aqulino “Nene” Pimentel and ex-Supreme Court Justice Bienvenido Reyes are members as well.

After six months, the body is expected to present its proposals to Duterte, who will then submit it to the Congress.

Congress, however, has the option to affirm or dismiss the recommendations being pushed the Consultative Committee.

Discussions on the proposed Charter change are now ongoing in both chambers of Congress. /muf