MANILA, Philippines: The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has announced that it will continue to accept signatures collected by the People’s Initiative for Modernization and Reform Action (PIRMA) in its campaign to amend the Constitution, despite calls against it. Comelec Chairman George Erwin Garcia made this statement on Wednesday, emphasizing that it is part of their duty as mandated by both the law and the guidelines promulgated by the Comelec in 2020.
Garcia acknowledged the concerns of those who are calling for the Comelec to stop accepting signatures, but he asserted that they are bound by the law and the established guidelines. He also urged those who believe that the Comelec is acting improperly to question the guidelines themselves.
As of 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, the Comelec reported that it has issued Election Officer (EO) Certifications to 187 out of 254 legislative districts and 1,010 cities and municipalities. However, the Comelec is still awaiting the submission of signature forms from the remaining 67 legislative districts.
To proceed with the filing of a petition, the People’s Initiative for Modernization and Reform Action (PIRMA) must gather a required number of signatures. This includes eight million signatures, which is equivalent to 12 percent of the total registered voters nationwide, and three percent of the registered voters per legislative district. So far, two million signatures have been collected.
The acceptance of signatures by the Comelec is a crucial step in the process of amending the Constitution through a people’s initiative. This initiative allows citizens to directly propose changes to the Constitution by gathering a significant number of signatures. Once the required number of signatures is obtained, a petition can be filed with the Comelec, which will then verify the authenticity and validity of the signatures.
The decision to continue accepting signatures despite calls against it highlights the Comelec’s commitment to upholding the democratic process and ensuring that the voices of the people are heard. It also underscores the importance of transparency and accountability in the amendment of the Constitution.
However, it is essential to note that gathering the required number of signatures is a challenging task. It requires significant public support and engagement to reach the target. The People’s Initiative for Modernization and Reform Action (PIRMA) will need to mobilize efforts across the country to ensure that the necessary signatures are obtained.
The ongoing campaign for constitutional amendment through a people’s initiative reflects the desire of many Filipinos to address key issues and concerns that they believe can be resolved through constitutional changes. It provides an avenue for citizens to actively participate in shaping the future of their nation.
While the process of amending the Constitution through a people’s initiative is complex, it is a democratic mechanism that allows for the direct involvement of the people in decision-making. It is crucial for the Comelec to carefully review and verify the signatures to ensure the integrity of the process.
In conclusion, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) will continue to accept signatures collected by the People’s Initiative for Modernization and Reform Action (PIRMA) in its campaign to amend the Constitution. The decision to proceed with the acceptance of signatures demonstrates the Comelec’s commitment to the democratic process and the importance of citizen participation in shaping the nation’s future. The ongoing campaign requires significant public support and engagement to gather the required number of signatures. As the process moves forward, the Comelec will play a vital role in verifying the authenticity and validity of the signatures, ensuring transparency and accountability in the amendment of the Constitution.
Source: The Manila Times
