UPDATE: Senate Majority Leader Emmanuel “Joel” Villanueva and Senator Maria Josefa Imelda “Imee” Marcos have urged the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to simplify the process for individuals who wish to withdraw their signatures in the People’s Initiative (PI) for the amendment of the Constitution. They expressed concern over the complicated requirements outlined in the withdrawal form approved by the poll body.
Villanueva emphasized the importance of ensuring that the withdrawal process is not burdensome for the people. He stated, “While we welcome the actions taken by Comelec regarding the ‘fake’ People’s Initiative, we call on the poll body to make it easier for our fellow Filipinos to withdraw their signatures. This is their right. The process of signing was simple, so let us also simplify the process of withdrawing.”
He further highlighted the need for clear guidance from the Comelec, particularly in light of the Supreme Court’s ruling that there is currently no law for a People’s Initiative in amending the Constitution.
Senator Marcos, the chair of the Senate Committee on Electoral Reforms and People’s Participation, echoed Villanueva’s sentiments. She emphasized that the withdrawal of signatures should be as straightforward as affixing them in the first place. Marcos questioned the requirement for individuals to provide an explanation when withdrawing their signatures, as they were not asked for one when signing the PI sheets.
The suspension of Comelec Resolution 10650 and all actions related to the PI campaign has hindered the processing of signature withdrawals. However, Marcos expressed hope that the Comelec would treat the PI sheets and withdrawal forms in a similar manner, solely for record purposes.
In a recent development, the Comelec approved a “withdrawal form” for individuals seeking to retract their signatures in the PI. These forms will be made available at the Office of Election Officers (OEO) and can be submitted to the same office. The Comelec also instructed its Education and Information Department to disseminate this information while clarifying that the acceptance of withdrawal forms does not constitute formal action on the signature sheets/petition for PI.
On January 29, the Comelec en banc suspended all proceedings related to the petition and the guidelines outlined in Comelec Resolution 10650. The petition sought to amend Article 17 Section 1 of the Constitution, specifically addressing the voting process for proposed constitutional amendments by members of Congress.
The controversy surrounding the signature campaign initiated by the People’s Initiative for Modernization and Reform Action (Pirma) arose when allegations of bribery and promises of government aid in exchange for signatures surfaced. Senators strongly condemned these underhanded tactics, which they believed were supported by Speaker Martin Romualdez.
In response to the PI efforts, the Senate released a unanimous manifesto opposing the initiative, citing concerns that the House of Representatives aimed to abolish the Senate. The document for signature asked voters if they supported amending the Charter to allow members of Congress to jointly vote on constitutional amendments. This setup would effectively give the vote of 24 senators and over 300 members of the lower chamber equal weight.
The calls from Senate Majority Leader Villanueva and Senator Marcos for a simplified withdrawal process aim to safeguard the rights of individuals who wish to retract their signatures in the PI. As discussions surrounding constitutional amendments continue, it is essential to ensure that the democratic process remains accessible and transparent for all Filipinos.
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Source: The Manila Times
