2 Lakas lawmakers say Cha-cha train certain to reach destination

Administration lawmakers Saturday said the doom prediction by senators, who likened charter change to a runaway train headed for the cliff, was an indication of their envy and growing desperation to stall cha-cha as 5.6 million people have so far endorsed it through people’s initiative. House majority leader Prospero Nograles (1D, Davao City) and Rep. Exequiel Javier (Antique), vice chair of the House committee on constitutional amendments, took exception to the statements of Senators Aquilino Pimentel and Joker Arroyo, that the cha-cha train would be derailed because it is a runaway train headed for the cliff of legal obstacles. Nograles said that contrary to Pimentel’s and Arroyo’s gloomy scenario, the cha-cha train is smoothly headed for its destination fueled by the people’s strong desire for change, and equipped with the legal capability of its proponents to defend people’s initiative before the Supreme Court. “We are not going through the mountains. We are speeding down the railways. I don’t see cliffs around. Trains in Philippines are on a flatland," said Nograles. Nograles said no amount of disinformation against cha-cha can slowdown the signature campaign through people’s initiative. “The more they discredit cha-cha, the more people will be persuaded into coming out to let their voices be heard," he said. Nograles said the Pulse Asia survey showing 43 percent of Filipinos supported cha-cha, and the signature drive by Sigaw ng Bayan Movement which has already secured 5.6 million signatures, are compelling reasons to hold a plebiscite to determine the public pulse. Nograles also expressed confidence that there will be no legal obstacle to people’s initiative when the issue on the previous injunction will be resolved by the Supreme Court. “The sooner this issue gets resolved the better," he said. Javier said it is the anti cha-cha advocates’ loss if they continue rejecting moves to amend the Constitution. “The cha-cha train is headed to its right destination, the plebiscite and the people’s adoption of a parliamentary government without senators on board. It’s not headed for the cliff. Those who say this are the ones left behind by the cha-cha train," he said. Javier said President Arroyo correctly compared the cha-cha initiative to a train that had already left its station and the choice is for politicians to stand back or get run over. “We’ve reached the point where we have to decide whether to support cha-cha or not. A vote for cha-cha is a vote for political and economic stability, hence more and more Filipinos will endorse it in the next few days," Javier said.-GMANews.TV