Ex-IBP chief wants stricter qualification for con-con

As he expressed support for amending the 1987 Constitution through a constitutional convention (con-con), former Integrated Bar of the Philippines president Atty. Domingo Cayosa said he wants stricter qualifications and rules against political clans for the convention delegates.

“Minimum qualification plus ma-isolate sa— hindi na dapat tatakbo ‘yung mga kamag-anak ng mga poiltician,” Cayosa told Super Radyo dzBB.

Under a con-con, the electorate elects delegates who will propose amendments, which will be subject to ratification in a plebiscite.

“Ang kinakatakutan lang natin sa con-con, kung kahit sino pwedeng tumakbong con-con, eh balik din tayo doon sa dinastiya, doon sa mga artista, kasi kailangan ho talaga marunong sa mga gawaing ganito,” he said.

(The only thing we fear in the con-con is that if anyone can run for con-con, then we will just go back to dynasties, to celebrities, because it is really necessary to be knowledgeable in these kinds of work.)

“May experience sa gobyerno, sa pangangalakal, at nakakaintindi ng mga konsepto ng Konstitusyon. Kasi ito ‘yung ating fundamental law. So dapat merong minimum requirement naman,” he added.

(With experience in government, in business, and an understanding of the concepts of the Constitution. Because this is our fundamental law. So there should at least be a minimum requirement.)

He said that it is Congress who will implement such qualifications as they will be the one to call for the convention, when it will be held, and how many representatives will be elected. 

Malacañang has said that President Ferdinand ''Bongbong'' Marcos Jr. will not oppose calls to amend the 1987 Constitution through a con-con, provided that it will close loopholes in its provisions.

The statement came after Deputy Speaker Ronaldo Puno of Antipolo City called for a constitutional convention to revise the 1987 Constitution, which he said contained certain provisions "marked by ambiguity and procedural deficiency." — RSJ, GMA Integrated News