3 from Cebu for assembly

But lawyer warns federalism will abet dynasties

Instead of spending money to elect constitutional convention (Con-con) delegates, hire their staff and rent additional office spaces, a constituent assembly (Con-ass) “would move faster and save billions of pesos,” some Cebu lawmakers say

THREE congressmen from Cebu expressed support for amending the 1987 Constitution through a constituent assembly (Con-ass), rather than the original plan for a constitutional convention (Con-con).

Rep. Rodrigo Abellanosa (Cebu City, South) and Rep. Ramon Durano VI (Cebu Province, 5th District) said that pushing for constitutional changes through a Con-ass would cost less and deliver results faster.

To allow a broader participation of experts in overhauling the Constitution, Abellanosa said, a law may be enacted to allow the president to appoint

a number of delegates to join the assembly.

This was done when the 1987 Constitution was drafted, he pointed out.

Durano also said he favors shifting to a federal form of government because such a system would allow issues in each province or region to be addressed more quickly.

“I believe that a Constitutional Assembly will make things move a lot faster and it will save the country billions of pesos,” Durano said.

Abellanosa said that the money that would otherwise be spent on a special election of Con-con delegates “can be better spent to build hundreds of school buildings.”

“Con-con delegates who will be selected through the conventional election will only replicate Congress whose members representing their respective constituencies are elected in the same manner,” the Cebu City congressman pointed out. Double time Rep. Raymond Democrito Mendoza (Party-list, TUCP) said that a constituent assembly would also cost Filipino taxpayers less because there would no need to spend for the salaries of Con-con delegates, staff, office spaces and a convention venue.

“Now with Con-ass, you have a recently elected Congress of our best and brightest who will work double time to undertake both the laws needed by the Duterte administration and set forth the constitutional changes that our collective history requires so that future generations prosper in peace,” Mendoza said.

At least three-fourths of all members of Congress, serving as the constituent assembly, would need to agree on what amendments to propose. Apart from con-ass and con-con, a third way of amending the Constitution is by a petition initiated by at least 12 percent of all registered voters.

Interviewed separately, Rep. Benhur Salimbangon (Cebu Province, 4th District) said he also supports the change to a federal form of government because it would give local governments greater authority.

Salimbangon has pushed for amending the economic provisions in the 1987 Constitution, for instance, allowing foreigners to fully own businesses in the Philippines.

Two lawyers who have also held public office in Cebu had opposing views when asked about President Rodrigo Duterte’s campaign promise of transitioning to a federal government. It was also among the priorities he mentioned in his first State of the Nation Address last July 25.

Patronage

Former Cebu vice governor Democrito Barcenas said he is against a federal, parliamentary form of government because given how Philippine parties operate, it would be very difficult to change the prime minister.

“Changing the PM will be almost impossible given that our party system is in disarray and with so much political turn-coatism and our system of political patronage,” Barcenas said in a text message.

Congress can impeach a corrupt president, but this remedy would no longer be available under a corrupt prime minister who enjoys his party’s support.

A federal, parliamentary government “will strengthen political dynasties and warlordism,” Barcenas also texted.

On the other hand, Cordova Vice Mayor Adelino Sitoy said he agrees with adopting a parliamentary form of government, but believes that changes should be introduced through a constitutional convention.

What we need are unbiased constitutional reforms, Sitoy said.

“This is the golden opportunity, which can happen only once in a lifetime. Only Con-con can erase all doubts,” Sitoy added.