MANILA, Philippines – Tiniyak ni Senate President Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri na hindi mamadaliin ang pagtalakay sa Resolution of Both Houses No 6 upang amyendahan ang economic provision ng 1987 Constitution.
Sa ginanap na unang pagdinig ng Senate Subcommittee on Constitutional Amendments and Revision of Codes, sinabi ni Zubiri kay panel chairman Sonny Angara na “the timeline is in your hands” kung hanggang kailan tatakbo ang pagtalakay sa RBH 6.
“The Senate is working very hard to listen to the clamor of certain sectors, to look at and revisit the 1987 Constitution. But we will not be falling into a trap on any deadline because to discuss such an important matter needs time, it needs study. It cannot be rushed like any regular bill that is just approved without thinking,” ayon kay Zubiri.
“We, ladies and gentlemen here in the Senate, will make sure that we deliberate this as much as possible and come out with the best outcome for the people,” dagdag niya.
Sinundan ni Angara ang pahayag ni Zubiri sa kanyang opening remarks.
“This is not something that needs to be rushed given the importance. Kung ‘yung pangkaraniwang patakaran ay talagang dinedebate natin, mas lalo na ‘to dahil ito ay pinakamahalaga o pinakamataas na batas sa bansa, ang mismong Saligang Batas,” aniya.
Layunin ng RBH No 6 na amendahan ang ilang economic provisions ng 1987 Constitution, partikular ang Articles XII, XIV, at XVI.
Dadagdagan ng pariralang “unless otherwise provided by law” sa probisyon ng Saligang Batas sa public services, edukasyon at advertising industry.
Kasabay nito, inihayag ni Senador Risa Hontiveros na hindi papayagan ng oposisyon ang probisyon na magkakaroon ng kapangyarihahn ang dayuhan na i-take over at pagsamantalahan ang ilang industriya, institusiyon at yaman ng bansa.
“Huwag sana nating gawing collateral damage ang Konstitusyon — ang mismong kaluluwa ng bansa. We, the Filipino people, will determine our destiny. Hindi ‘yung ambisyon lang ng iilan,” ayon kay Hontiveros.
Tiniyak naman ni Senate Majority Leader Joel Villanueva, na magkakaroon ng “exhaustive hearings” sa RBH 6.
“Unlike itong pekeng PI (people’s initiative), hindi naman ito niru-rush [we are not rushing this unlike the fake PI]. We will do it right and we will follow our timeline — one that ensures that all voices are heard. This will be transparent. Our people will know what’s going on and what we’re talking about,” aniya.
Kasabay nito, tiniyak naman ni Villanueva na hindi titigil ang Senado sa pag-iimbestiga sa ipinamahaging pondo kapalit ng lagda sa people’s initiative (PI) para sa Charter change.
“Ceasefire [with the House counterparts] does not mean to cease working or stop the people’s initiative inquiry kasi siyempre kung may nakita tayong sablay…tumatawag si Senator Bato [dela Ros] kasi ang dami na niyang nakitang sablay. Kapag may nakitang sablay ang Senado, talagang iimbestigahan ito. Hindi tayo makikibit balikat,” giit ni Villanueva.
“Experience has taught us that what they say in the House and what they do can be two different things. We will make sure that what their words and actions are consistent. While we make the sure that the RBH 6 sticks to the original intention of amending the economic provisions of the Constitution, we will continue to be proactive in our measures to thwart unconstitutional Cha-cha efforts, including the [PI] investigation being led by Senator Imee Marcos,” paliwanag ni Villanueva.
“Nakita naman natin na meron talagang questionable sa pagpapapirma ng pekeng initiative. May mali po. Why should we turn a blind eye to the irregularities?,” aniya.
“Sino ang nagpondo ng kampanya, saan galing itong pondo? [Who is funding the campaign, where are the funds coming from?] Why is there so much traffic in Forbes Park when getting the 2.5. Why are chiefs of staff are in a rush to get there [in Forbes park]? Ayaw natin masayang ang salapi ng taumbayan. [We don’t want to waste public funds.] The people have the right to know, is their money used for their benefit? Or for the political agenda of some?” dagdag ni Villanueva. Ernie Reyes
