Pimentel: Cha-cha via people’s initiative 'hijacked' by House members

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 26) — Pushing for Charter change (Cha-cha) via people’s initiative is only for Filipino voters and should not be “hijacked” by government officials, Senate Minority leader Koko Pimentel said on Friday.

“This is reserved for the people sabi ng ating (as stated in our) Constitution so this should not be hijacked by public officials or government officials, especially by members of Congress,” Pimentel told CNN Philippines' The Source.

“If you are a member of Congress and you have a brilliant idea on how to amend the Constitution there is already a mode open for you and that is constituent assembly,” he added.

The senator believes members of the House launched the ongoing signature drive to push for a Cha-cha via people’s initiative.

House Speaker Martin Romualdez has denied allegations that he ordered the ongoing signature campaign for Cha-cha via people’s initiative. He has also assured senators that the lower chamber supports the Senate in its push to amend the economic provisions of the charter.  

People's Initiative for Modernization and Reform Action (PIRMA) earlier admitted that it was behind the signature drive, but its lead convenor Noel Oñate said he spoke to Romualdez about the group's initiative.

But it seems senators are not convinced.

“As supported by reports which senators have been receiving independently of each other from our own networks… ito yung (this is the) consistent feedback, nagmomonitor sa (monitoring on the) ground on getting the signatures are members of the House of Representatives ,” Pimentel said.

Senator Bato dela Rosa earlier alleged that the House leadership initiated the push for Cha-cha. Even Senator Imee Marcos, cousin of Romualdez, believes the speaker’s office is behind the funding and timeline planning of the people’s initiative.  

“We are beyond statements na (already), it must be an actual stop to the signature campaign. Mararamdaman naman namin yan (We will feel it anyway) and feedback will be given to us,” Pimentel said.

The Senate has put on hold discussion on Cha-cha while efforts for a people’s initiative continue. It has set aside Resolution of Both Houses No. 6 that proposes changes to certain economic provisions of the constitution.