Koko Pimentel Points to Romualdez as the Force Behind Cha-Cha Signature Drive

janimonow

January 25

Senate Minority Leader Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel III is raising concerns about the origins of the ongoing efforts for Charter change (Cha-cha), specifically pointing towards Speaker Martin Romualdez as the driving force behind the signature drive. In an interview with ANC, Pimentel deciphered the movements within the House of Representatives, suggesting that such initiatives wouldn't progress without the nod from their leader, thus leading to the implication of Speaker Romualdez.

Labeling the people's initiative as a "mistaken" and "abuse" of public participation, Pimentel criticized the manner in which the House has seemingly commandeered this democratic tool to push for amendments to the 1987 Constitution. He underlined the traditional route available to Congress for proposing constitutional amendments – through a constituent assembly, thereby questioning the necessity and motives behind the current people's initiative.

Pimentel aired his suspicions about a "hidden agenda" within the initiative, insinuating that it could centralize the power to decide on constitutional amendments within a small leadership group or even a single individual within the House of Representatives. This concern escalates with the possibility that if the people's initiative succeeds, amendments to the Constitution could originate solely from the thoughts and discretion of a limited few, potentially securing a 3/4 vote.

As the debate intensifies, GMA News Online reached out to Speaker Romualdez for comments, but a response is pending. Notably, Senator Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa has also previously hinted at Romualdez's involvement in the people's initiative, a claim that Romualdez has openly denied. Romualdez defended the House's role as merely facilitating the democratic process of the people's initiative without directly engaging in the collection of signatures.

This unfolding narrative indicates a complex interplay of political maneuvers and interpretations regarding the push for Charter change, spotlighting the intricate dynamics within the Philippine legislative landscape.