Senator Mary Grace Poe has called on the public to reject the “fake” people’s initiative (PI) that is currently being promoted to amend the 1987 Constitution. Highlighting the issues surrounding the signature drive for Charter change (Cha-cha), the senator emphasized that bribery has been used to gain public support for signing the Cha-cha petition.
In a statement, Senator Poe stressed that what Filipinos urgently need are essential necessities such as food, jobs, healthcare, education, and a better quality of life. She firmly stated that the only solution to this situation is to put an end to this fake people’s initiative. As the chairman of the Senate Committee on Public Services, she expressed her readiness to work on matters that truly matter to the people. She also hoped that the House of Representatives would prioritize the same and set aside this PI.
Senator Poe further highlighted the problematic nature of the signature campaign, pointing out reports that suggest the involvement of politicians. Additionally, she mentioned that various surveys have revealed that Cha-cha is not a priority for the Filipino people. It is clear that the citizens have more pressing concerns, such as the high prices of goods, unemployment, and the need for higher salaries. Poe emphasized that the public is struggling and hungry, making it evident that Cha-cha is not in their consciousness.
Meanwhile, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go voiced his opposition to the “dubious” people’s initiative that aims to erode checks and balances in the government. In an interview in Mati City, Davao Oriental, he expressed his disagreement with the hasty attempt to amend the 1987 Constitution. Go stressed the importance of upholding checks and balances in government by protecting the Constitution, the Senate as an institution, and the interests of the Filipino people.
Go firmly stated that any attempt to amend the Constitution should clearly demonstrate its intent to benefit ordinary Filipinos, particularly those who are underprivileged. He firmly believes that politicians should not be the ones to benefit from Cha-cha, but rather, it should be the ordinary citizens who reap the benefits of any constitutional amendments.
The senator criticized the proposal for a joint voting process of Congress in amending the Constitution, as it would render the Senate useless and undermine the checks and balances in government. He questioned the implications of the Senate being outnumbered if new provisions or amendments were passed solely by the House members. Go emphasized that the Senate exists as a representative body chosen by the people nationwide, ensuring that every Filipino has a voice in the decision-making process.
In conclusion, Senator Poe and Senator Go have both expressed their concerns regarding the “fake” people’s initiative for constitutional amendment. They have highlighted the issues surrounding the signature campaign and emphasized the need to prioritize the pressing concerns of the Filipino people. Both senators have called for the protection of checks and balances in government and emphasized the importance of ensuring that any constitutional amendments benefit the ordinary citizens of the country.
Source: The Manila Times