Senators Decry 'Pekeng Initiative' Salceda Backs Romualdez's Address

janimonow

January 28

A wave of criticism has swept through the Senate this weekend as lawmakers denounced a purportedly deceptive people's initiative aimed at amending the Constitution. Senator Francis "Chiz" Escudero specifically highlighted a December speech by Speaker Martin Romualdez, wherein he endorsed a people's initiative during the Philippine Economic Briefing in Iloilo.

Escudero shared a snippet of Romualdez's address, branding the push for constitutional reform a "pekeng initiative" or "Politiko's Initiative." Escudero voiced his skepticism on social media, questioning how Romualdez could disassociate himself from the initiative when he had openly embraced it previously, cautioning against endeavors rooted in deceit.

Romualdez, in his speech, had articulated the need to navigate a procedural deadlock in constitutional amendments through a people's initiative, positioning it as a remedy to the stalemate over voting methods.

Senator Grace Poe joined the critique, dismissing the campaign as a "Pekeng Initiative" and urging public rejection. She argued that constitutional reform does not align with the Filipino populace's priorities, which lean more towards basic needs and quality of life improvements. Citing a stark disparity between the low public concern for charter change and the claimed percentage of signatures gathered for the initiative, Poe called for an end to the misleading campaign.

Senator Nancy Binay reiterated the Senate's dedication to economic issues, distancing the upper chamber from the origins of the contentious initiative. The entire Senate rallied against the initiative last week, condemning it as a covert attempt to manipulate the democratic process and alter the Constitution under the guise of a people's initiative.

Amidst the Senate's disapproval, Albay Representative Joey Salceda came to Romualdez's defense. He clarified that the Speaker's support for the people's initiative doesn't translate to direct involvement or manipulation by the House. Salceda emphasized the people's initiative as an intrinsic democratic procedure, allowing citizens to directly propose constitutional amendments independently of congressional intervention.

Surigao Del Norte 2nd District Representative Robert Ace Barbers also refuted the Senate's allegations, criticizing their portrayal of people's initiative supporters and reminding of the Constitution's non-discriminatory clause regarding congressional voting for charter amendments. Barbers pointed out the Senate's historical resistance to constitutional change through various methods, accusing senators of clinging to their comfort zones and hindering democratic expression. He suggested that the opposition stems from a desire to maintain a status quo favoring a select few.

The debate unfolds as the Commission on Elections begins processing the signature forms submitted for the people's initiative, amidst a backdrop of controversy and bribery claims.