Senate won't rush Cha-cha, federalism

The Senate has decided to take its time in studying the proposed amendment to the 1987 Constitution and shift to a federal system of government despite the prodding of their colleagues in the Lower House and President Duterte.

The senators met in an all-member caucus Tuesday afternoon where they decided not to rush

the proposed Charter change (Cha-cha) and federalism.

Senate President Vicente Sotto confirmed that Cha-cha is not among the priorities of the Senate and that there is no timetable for its approval.

"We have asked the members of the Senate to submit a maximum of three priority bills so that we may be able to consolidate themand sit down with the House and the Executive Department to get it together. None of the submissions contain the Cha-cha. Take it from that," Sotto told reporters.

"Both the majority and minority are united in not rushing Cha-cha," Senate President Pro Tempore Ralph Recto said.

Recto said he sensed that "a great majority is against" the planned shift as they supposedly believe that its alternatives can achieve the goal of federalism.

"Federalism will add to the bureaucracy, red tape, more taxes, greater tension in government, will promote dynasty, bad for economy, credit down grade, etc. Better to amend Local Government Code, implement Supreme Court decision on IRA (internal revenue allotment) and focus on creating jobs and a lower inflation rate," he said.

Recto said they agreed to continue deliberations on Cha-cha and federalism, including the proposed federal constitution by the Consultative Commission, through the hearings of the Senate Committee on Constitutional Amendments and Revision of Codes.

Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri said that aside from the opposition senators, even members of the majority bloc were "skeptical" about the proposed Cha-cha, especially on the mode of voting.

"Ayaw ma-trap ng Senado sa isang Constituent Assembly na walang clear guidelines on voting separately. Syempre kasi natatakot 'yong ibang kasama namin if it will be taken up sa Supreme Court, baka lumabas 'yong Supreme Court, that is voting jointly (The Senate does not want to be trapped in a Constituent Assembly without clear guidelines on voting separately. Of course our colleagues are wary that if ever it will be taken up by the Supreme Court, the SC may rule that we voted jointly on Cha-cha)," Zubiri said.

Minority Leader Franklin Drilon said they agreed to wait for the committee report before debating on Cha-cha.

Sen. Francis Pangilinan, committee chairman, said "the move to amend the charter should not be rushed and the Senate will study the matter thoroughly considering the far reaching political and economic implications of such a move."

"The responsible and appropriate response is not to rush Charter change," he added.