Comelec: PI can't revise entire Constitution

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 24) — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has allayed fears that the people's initiative (PI) would pave the way for the revision of the entire 1987 Constitution.

In a media forum on Wednesday, Comelec Chairman George Garcia said the groups behind PI must specify their proposed amendments in the petition.

"Dapat talagang ilagay kung anong provision ng Saligang Batas ang dapat baguhin," the official said.

"Ang sabi ng guidelines, ang people's initiative ay pang-amendment. Hindi puwede ang people's initiative sa revision of the entire Constitution," he added.

[Translation: It should really state what provision of the Constitution should be changed. The guidelines say, the people's initiative is for amendment. The people's initiative is not for revising the entire Constitution.]

Garcia also said the amendments to the Constitution through PI can only be conducted "every five years."

On Tuesday, senators released a manifesto to strongly oppose the ongoing signature drive. In the statement, the Senate warned that the PI could make waves of changes or even "overhaul" the entire charter.

READ: Senate releases manifesto vs 'sinister' people's initiative

The 1987 Constitution provides for three ways to change the charter: through a constitutional convention, constituent assembly, and PI.

For the PI, at least 12% of all the registered voters must sign the petition to amend the Constitution. At least 3% of registered voters in each legislative district must be represented in the petition.

READ: Will Cha-cha finally push through via people's initiative?

The massive signature campaign, which has been hounded by issues such as bribery, is being pushed by the People's Initiative for Reform Modernization and Action or PIRMA.