Senate Minority Leader Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel 3rd has called for a thorough investigation by Congress and law enforcement agencies into reports of bribery in relation to the proposed Charter change (Cha-cha). Pimentel’s reaction comes after allegations that certain proponents of Cha-cha have been offering a P100 bribe to individuals in exchange for signing the petition to amend the 1987 Constitution.
According to these reports, individuals in some provinces have been approached by Cha-cha proponents and enticed with financial aid if they would mobilize their constituents to support the petition. The assistance being dangled includes programs such as the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) by the Department of Social Welfare and Development, the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (Tupad) by the Department of Labor and Employment, and the Medical Assistance to Indigent Patients program by the Department of Health.
The AICS, for instance, is part of the DSWD’s protective services for the poor, marginalized, and vulnerable individuals. Tupad, on the other hand, provides emergency employment for displaced workers, underemployed individuals, and seasonal workers.
Pimentel strongly condemned this alleged bribery scheme, stating, “A bribed initiative is not the people’s spontaneous initiative. Anything of value in exchange for a signature can be considered a bribe.” He emphasized the need for the Philippine National Police, National Bureau of Investigation, Department of the Interior and Local Government, Congress, and non-governmental organizations to thoroughly investigate the matter.
The senator also highlighted the potential legal consequences, stating that if the source of the bribe money is public funds, graft cases can be filed against those involved. However, he stressed that regardless of the source of the money, the entire People’s Initiative would be invalidated because it would not be a true representation of the people’s will. Pimentel further expressed concerns that the initiative could be driven by commercial or other vested selfish interests, rather than the genuine desire for constitutional change.
Senators Maria Josefa Imelda “Imee” Marcos and Jose “Jinggoy” Estrada have also denounced the reported attempts to bribe people and local government leaders into signing the petition. Marcos emphasized that “Our Constitution is not for sale,” while Estrada described the practice as “unethical and illegal.” Both senators expressed their support for the people’s right to freely exercise their constitutional right to initiate changes without coercion.
In conclusion, the alleged bribery scheme surrounding the Cha-cha petition has raised serious concerns about the integrity of the People’s Initiative and the democratic process. Senator Pimentel, along with Senators Marcos and Estrada, has called for a thorough investigation to uncover the truth behind these allegations. It is essential that any attempts to manipulate or undermine the people’s will are exposed and addressed to ensure the legitimacy and transparency of any proposed constitutional changes.
Source: The Manila Times
