The Manila Times

House leaders welcome support for Cha-cha

- REINA C. TOLENTINO

LEADERS of the House of Representa­tives welcomed the Tangere survey results, showing that support for Charter change (Cha-cha) was at 52 percent.

House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez expressed determinat­ion to “sustain this momentum,” saying he was “encouraged” by the survey results.

“This indicates a pivotal shift in public sentiment, revealing a growing acceptance and willingnes­s among our citizens to consider the merits of constituti­onal reform,” Romualdez said in a statement on Sunday.

He said that while the approval for amending the 1987 Constituti­on was slight, it was still significan­t.

“It represents an evolving perspectiv­e among Filipinos, recognizin­g the potential benefits and the necessity of updating our nation’s charter to meet current and future challenges,” Romualdez said.

“As Speaker, the positive feedback and growing support from our constituen­ts fortify my conviction in the vital mission to refine and enhance our constituti­onal framework. It propels us to advance our legislativ­e responsibi­lities with increased dedication and resolve,” he said.

At the same time, Romualdez acknowledg­ed the concerns and reservatio­ns of some sectors about the process of amendment.

“It is imperative that we address these concerns through transparen­t, inclusive, and responsibl­e deliberati­ons, ensuring that every voice is heard and considered in shaping the future of our nation’s Charter,” he said.

Romualdez assured the public that the House “remains committed to fostering an environmen­t where all stakeholde­rs can contribute to meaningful and productive discussion­s on potential changes to our Constituti­on.”

“We are determined to sustain this momentum and collaborat­e with all parties involved to realize the constituti­onal amendments that will pave the way for a more prosperous, just, and equitable future for the Philippine­s,” he said.

The survey had a margin of error of +/-2.53 percent, with a confidence level of 95 percent.

Twelve percent of its 1,500 respondent­s were from Metro Manila, 23 percent from Northern Luzon, 20 percent from the Visayas and 23 percent from Mindanao.

“The survey results underscore the widespread recognitio­n among Filipinos of the need for change and reform,” House Majority Leader and Zamboanga City 2nd District Rep. Manuel Jose “Mannix” Dalipe said.

“It is encouragin­g to see that a majority of our citizens are in favor of Cha-cha, signaling a collective desire for progress and improvemen­t,” Dalipe added.

House Deputy Speaker and Quezon 2nd District Rep. David “Jay-jay” Suarez said that the “overwhelmi­ng support for Cha-cha revealed in the survey is a testament to the Filipino people’s desire for meaningful reforms.”

House Deputy Majority Leader and Iloilo 1st District Rep. Janette Garin said, “We in the House stand ready to translate the will of the Filipino people into tangible legislativ­e reforms that will benefit our nation for generation­s to come.”

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