A disturbing trend
WHILE we were focused on economic issues – inflation and its effect on the spike in the prices of rice, vegetables, and oil, the coming election, the General Appropriations Act for 2019, and the President’s health, the House of Representatives did something unimaginable. It passed a resolution without amendments and the usual consultations and public hearings. It was quickly approved on the committee level and sponsored for second reading at the House Plenary.
Resolution of Both Houses No. 15 which proposes a draft federal constitution would replace the 1987 Constitution and replace the present structure with the federal form, was authored by Speaker Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and 21 other lawmakers.
And this was just when we thought that the President and other sectors had given up the idea of pushing for charter change. Fortunately, Buhay Representative Lito Atienza moved for suspension of the deliberation because of lack of quorum.
Among the amendments that were being proposed were the lifting of term limits of members of Congress, and putting the Senate President and not the Vice-President as next in line should the President be unable to preside over the country’s transition to the new system of government. Unlike the federal charter drafted by the Consultative Committee, House Resolution No. 15 does not regulate political dynasties.
The Senators quickly dismissed the resolution as “dead on arrival”. Even Senate President Sotto who would benefit from the provision said it was useless to discuss the provision because of time constraint. Many believe it was a bait for Sotto. The others agreed noting that “it wont fly.”
The opposition describes it as a “power grab, flawed and errant” and primarily intended to prevent Vice President Leni Robredo from taking over what is constitutionally her right even during a transition to federalism.
Facebook pages were filled with comments from netizens who described the move as “insensitive, self-serving, undemocratic, and unconstitutional.”
Furthermore, it is seen as a stealthy move to prolong the term of the Speaker so that she can eventually be elevated to the presidency.
But the chair of the House Committee on Constitutional Amendments defended the proposal, saying that the transitory provision was intended to “deal with the uncertainty about the vice-presidency because of the current protest by Bongbong Marcos. “
This recent episode merely demonstrates a disturbing trend – a fragmented legislature primarily concerned with self-interest and not the common good. It shows distrust and lack of unity. It reinforces the growing belief among many of the need to explore more effective mechanisms for power-sharing, structures that would empower people and make them more accountable. If we need to change the constitution in the near future, perhaps our focus must extend beyond merely regulating political dynasties towards expanding the existing systems of initiative and recall in our present constitution. We would like to see the emergence of new representatives in Congress who are able to think along the line of strengthening our democratic institutions which are now being eroded by creeping authoritarianism.