Salceda defends speaker’s support for PI
ALBAY 2nd District Rep. Jose Ma. Clemente “Joey” Salceda on Sunday defended Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez’s expression of support for a people’s initiative (PI) as a way to amend the 1987 Constitution.
“In a public engagement in December 2023, Speaker Martin Romualdez discussed the potential of addressing constitutional amendments through the People’s Initiative. This statement has sparked discussions and inquiries regarding the role of the House of Representatives in this process,” Salceda said in a statement. “The House recognizes the People’s Initiative as a fundamental democratic process that is explicitly citizen-driven and enshrined in the Philippine Constitution. It is a mechanism that allows Filipinos themselves to directly propose amendments to the constitution, independent of congressional action.”
“Speaker Romualdez, in his statement, expressed support for this democratic exercise, emphasizing its importance in resolving current constitutional debates. It is crucial to understand that this support does not equate to direct participation or control by the House in the People’s Initiative process,” he added.
“The role of the House of Representatives, as envisioned by Speaker Romualdez, is to encourage public discourse and awareness regarding constitutional amendments, ensuring that citizens are well-informed and engaged in the democratic processes that shape the nation,” Salceda said.
He said that Romualdez and members of the House are committed to uphold democratic principles.
“This commitment includes providing the necessary support for a transparent and inclusive process that allows every Filipino to participate meaningfully in shaping the nation’s destiny,” Salceda said.
FFW backs move vs Cha-cha
Meanwhile, the Federation of Free Workers (FFW) joined opposition lawmakers in their attempts to block moves to amend the Constitution through people’s initiative.
FFW National President Sonny Matula on Sunday said that affiliate groups were ready to join the group’s national initiative to file a petition before the Commission on Elections (Comelec) or the Supreme Court, challenging the legality of the proposed “tinkering” to insert “joint voting” through a PI as it constitutes a substantial alteration fundamental law of the land.
Matula added that FFW’s move is in consonance with Senate Minority Floor Leader Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel 3rd and Albay 1st District Rep. Edcel Lagman’s action to question the proposed charter amendment before the high court.
Senators signed a manifesto opposing the ongoing PI campaign.
FFW said the House’s move pushing joint voting of the Senate and the House of Representatives to modify the nation’s supreme law is a revision.
“Such will result in a substantial or structural change of the balance of power between both Chambers — the House of Representatives would overwhelm the Senate by numerical superiority in the deliberation and voting process,” the FFW said.