In a recent virtual press conference, Senator Maria Imelda Josefa “Imee” Marcos made a bold claim, suggesting that her cousin, Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, is orchestrating the signature campaign for the People’s Initiative (PI). According to Marcos, Romualdez’s office provided P20 million for each district to gather the necessary number of signatures.
Although Romualdez has denied any involvement in the signature campaign, Marcos argues that the names, mobile phone numbers, and funds used can be traced back to the Office of the Speaker. Romualdez dismissed Marcos’ claim as baseless, suggesting that she may be listening to rumors.
Romualdez clarified that he has had limited communication with his cousin, even during the holiday season, as she was out of town. Despite their differences, he expressed his respect for Marcos as a senator and as a relative, stating that he is open to receiving calls or texts from her.
Senator Marcos further revealed that her brother, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., was aware of the potential involvement of Romualdez in the signature campaign. The President was informed before Senate President Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri filed Resolution of Both Houses 6, which aims to limit constitutional amendments to the economic provisions. Senator Marcos claimed that the President instructed Romualdez to cease the signature campaign and instead support RBH 6.
Following a meeting with the President on January 11, Senate and House leaders agreed to file RBH 6. However, since the signature gathering for the People’s Initiative continues, the Senate was compelled to halt its own Cha-cha resolution, according to Senator Marcos.
Expressing their opposition to the People’s Initiative, the Senate unanimously approved a manifesto on January 15, warning that the proposed process would undermine the country’s democracy. The manifesto states that allowing joint voting on revising the Constitution would erode the delicate balance on which the nation’s hard-won democracy rests, destabilizing the principle of bicameralism and the system of checks and balances.
To shed light on the People’s Initiative, the Senate Committee on Electoral Reforms and People’s Participation, chaired by Senator Marcos, has invited legal experts, members of the academe, and other personalities to a public hearing in Davao City on January 30. When asked if Romualdez was invited, Marcos stated that anyone who wishes to express their opinion on the issue is welcome to attend.
Meanwhile, Romualdez discussed a letter he sent to Zubiri, assuring the House’s support for RBH 6. He emphasized the unity and solidarity between the Senate and the House, highlighting the common goal of uplifting the Philippine economy and improving the lives of Filipino people. Romualdez expressed the House’s commitment to expeditiously consider the resolution for immediate adoption if passed by the Senate.
In addition to the political developments surrounding the People’s Initiative, Orion Pérez Dumdum, principal co-founder of the Constitutional Reform and Rectification for Economic Competitiveness and Transformation (CoRRECT) Movement, voiced his opinion on the outdated Constitution. Dumdum argued that the country lags behind its neighbors economically due to the Constitution’s limitations. He believes that empowering the regions through federalism could lead to economic competitiveness and transformation.
As the controversy continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the People’s Initiative and RBH 6 will progress. The public hearing in Davao City will provide an opportunity for various stakeholders to contribute their insights and expertise to the discussion.
Source: The Manila Times
