Cha-cha for federalism up for 'cremation' at Senate —Lacson

The proposed Charter change for federalism is definitely dead in the Senate, Senator Panfilo Lacson said Thursday.

At the weekly forum Kapihan sa Senado, Lacson also said, “Right now the proposed Cha-cha is just waiting to be cremated.”

Senators, he said, are one in their decision not to make any move that would initiate Charter amendments.

“Solid ang Senado na hindi kami papasok sa isang cause of action. Meaning hindi kami gagawa ng aksyon na magkakaroon ng oportunidad na kekwestyunin sa Supreme Court at 'di na kami makaatras. As of now, we will just fold our arms and do nothing.” 

Lacson said he believes the Senate would be trapped if it will adopt a resolution convening the Senate and House of Representatives as a constituent assembly as a way to Cha-cha.

Earlier, the House of Representatives approved a resolution for that purpose, but it has no counterpart in the Senate.

Lacson echoed the earlier statement of Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri that they will not preempt the Senate committee on constitutional amendments and revision of codes.

“If you notice nandun pa sa committee level at ang pinag-uusapan pa lang ano ang mode na gagamitin. We are not about to preempt yung ginagawa ng committee,” he said.

Moreover, the senator said that if the administration is really pushing for Charter change, it should do it through a constitutional convention (con-con) where delegates would be elected to review and amend the 1987 Charter.

“May iba pang mode, pwede naman ang con-con, bakit kailangang pilitin ang con-ass,” he said.

He would agree to a constituent assembly if only the economic provisions will be reviewed and amended.

“Kung ako ang tatanungin, kung economic provisions lang marami ang papayag kasi ang ating 1987 Constitution is too nationalistic, naging overprotective, nasama ang economic provisions, constraint tayo ng provision ng Saligang Batas,” he said.

Last Wednesday, the House urged the Senate anew to agree on con-ass.

There are three ways provided in the 987 Constitution to do Cha-cha, namely:

• con-ass, through which only members of Congress have the power to choose the changes that will be made on the Charter;
• constitutional convention (con-con), in which Filipinos will select the people who will amend the Charter; and
• "People's Initiative," which involves a petition of at least 12 percent of the total number of registered voters.

—LBG, GMA News