VP: Focus must be on rising prices, killings, not Cha-cha

The government should address killings and the rising prices of basic necessities rather than thinking of amending the Constitution, Vice President Leni Robredo stressed.

“Hindi napapanahon ang diskusyon ukol sa pag-amyenda ng ating Saligang Batas, at lalo ang anumang mungkahing baguhin ang termino ng liderato at ipagpaliban ang eleksyon sa susunod na taon (It is not timely to make discussions about amending our Constitution, especially any proposals to change the terms of the leadership and suspend the elections next year),” Robredo said.

“Ang inaasahan ng taumbayan sa kanilang mga pinuno ay hanapan ng solusyon ang kanilang pang-araw-araw na problema, tulad ng pagmahal ng mga bilihin at kakulangan ng kita (The people expects from their leaders to look for solutions on their daily problems like the rising prices of goods and lack of income).” She added.

She made the statement days after the Consultative Committee (Con-Com) approved the draft federal constitution that will be submitted on Monday to President Rodrigo Duterte.

Changing the Constitution to pave the way for a shift to a federal system of government is among the campaign promises of Duterte.

In her weekly radio prpgram “BISErbisyong Leni,” Robredo then said any moves to amend the Constitution and change the system government should undergo a thorough process.

The Vice President lamented that most Filipinos are unaware and don’t support the shift to a federal system of government.

“The discussion on changing the system of government is important. We need to have a sit down and talk. The people should understand what it is all about and its effects. This should not be rushed,” she said in Filipino.