HOUSE Assistant Majority Leader and Puwersa ng Bayaning Atleta party-list Rep. Margarita Nograles has strongly denied claims that she provided financial support for the people’s initiative (PI) signature drive for Charter change (Cha-cha). In response to these allegations, Nograles took to Instagram and Facebook to dismiss them as nothing more than a “fairy tale” and an “invention.” She further emphasized that it would have been impossible for her to mobilize people or contribute funds while she was out of the country.
Challenging her accusers without naming them, Nograles called for them to take legal action and file a case in court. This demonstrates her confidence in the truthfulness of her statements and her willingness to face any legal scrutiny.
The House of Representatives recently adopted a resolution expressing support for House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez’s leadership. The resolution was in response to the Senate’s confrontational stance, accusing Romualdez and the members of the House of Representatives of engaging in a fraudulent people’s initiative campaign.
Sen. Maria Imelda Josefa “Imee” Marcos, in a radio interview, challenged certain members of the House of Representatives to be transparent about their intentions regarding Cha-cha. Marcos urged them to honestly communicate if their goal is to change the system of government.
In response, House Majority Leader Manuel Jose “Mannix” Dalipe challenged all 24 senators to openly declare their position on the issue. This call for transparency highlights the importance of a clear and honest dialogue between the two chambers of Congress.
The Senate Sub-Committee on Constitutional Amendments and Revision of Codes recently discussed Resolution of Both Houses (RBH) 6, which aims to review the economic provisions of the 1987 Constitution. Marcos expressed skepticism about the House’s assurance that they would adopt any Charter amendments approved by the senators. She questioned why they would disguise their true intentions behind economic matters and called for them to openly admit their desires.
Sen. Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara echoed Marcos’ sentiments during a news conference, stating that he believes the House’s true objective is political amendments to the Charter. He accused them of hiding their intentions from the public.
Sen. Francis Joseph “Chiz” Escudero challenged the proponents of Cha-cha in the House of Representatives to acknowledge their involvement in the “fake” people’s initiative. He criticized Dalipe’s call for senators to declare their position on Cha-cha, stating that it is hypocritical coming from the House. Escudero urged them to be accountable and transparent instead of engaging in deceptive tactics.
Escudero highlighted the inconsistent statements made by the House members, initially denying any involvement, then claiming to be mere facilitators but not orchestrators, and now threatening to stop the people’s initiative if the senators pass RBH 6. He emphasized the importance of integrity and urged them to heed their own speaker’s words about not throwing stones when living in glass houses.
Escudero assured that he and his fellow senators would reveal their stance on Cha-cha at the appropriate time. This indicates that the senators are taking a thoughtful approach and will provide a clear and well-considered position on the matter.
In conclusion, House Assistant Majority Leader Margarita Nograles vehemently denied allegations of providing financial support for the people’s initiative for Charter change. The ongoing debate between the House of Representatives and the Senate regarding Cha-cha highlights the need for transparency and honest communication between the two chambers of Congress. As the discussion continues, it is crucial for all involved parties to prioritize integrity and provide clear and truthful statements to the public.
Source: The Manila Times
